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Lancashire soldier killed in Afghanistan
A soldier from Lancashire has been killed in Afghanistan.
Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas - an Army bomb disposal expert - was killed by a improvised explosive device (IED) as he was clearing a route in Gereshk in Helmand Province on Sunday.
The 28-year-old, who was brought up in Lytham and lived in Braintree, Essex, was a member of 33 Engineer Regiment.
Senior officers have paid tribute to his courage in carrying out one of the most dangerous jobs for UK troops in Afghanistan.
Known as "Loz" to his comrades, Cpl Marlton-Thomas was married to Nicola, who has described him as a "true hero".
He joined the Army in 1998.
He went to Afghanistan in September and had previously served in Northern Ireland and Iraq.
He was deployed on Operation Herrick 11 as a Royal Engineer Search Team Commander within the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group.
Cpl Marlton-Thomas's wife Nicola said: "Loren was Army barmy right back to being a Cadet.
"He did the job he loved and paid the ultimate price for his friends, comrades and country.
"We are proud to say we knew and loved him. A true hero in our eyes - you may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten".
Lt Col David Southall, Commanding Officer of 33 Engr Regt (EOD), said: "Cpl Loren Marlton-Thomas was a man of great courage and commitment, a gifted Junior NCO who was truly passionate about his profession.
"His role, in leading teams to find IEDs, was undeniably amongst the toughest in Helmand province.
"Despite this, Loz was one of the most irrepressible and positive Junior Commanders I have met. With a smile on his face, his natural charm, confidence and soldiering skill meant men followed him instinctively.
"Loz made the ultimate sacrifice whilst striving to rid Afghanistan of IEDs and make the country a safer place, for both our troops and the Afghan people."
Major Tim Gould QGM, RLC Officer Commanding, Joint Force EOD Group, said: "Corporal Marlton-Thomas made an immediate and lasting impression with me and clearly stood proud of his peers.
"Highly revered by all within the Group, men of his distinction are few and far between and he will be gravely missed."
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said: "I was very sorry to learn of the death of Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas, an experienced and courageous soldier who had demonstrated his capability and commitment in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
"He was a skilled engineer and a first rate soldier, and highly respected by the men he led."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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