Articles | Gurkha killed in Afghanistan named

Gurkha killed in Afghanistan named

Published: Thursday, 6 November 2008, 12:00PM

A British Army soldier killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named as Yubraj Rai.

Rifleman Rai, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was shot by enemy fire just south of Musa Qala.

He received medical treatment at the scene, but died of his wounds.

The 28-year-old came from Khotang district in eastern Nepal. He followed in his uncle's footsteps and joined the British Army in 1999 to support his mother, sister and three brothers as the family's main earner.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "Yubraj was a proud Nepali, a proud soldier and was exceptionally proud of being a Gurkha Rifleman.

"He was brave, strong, hard and noble; he epitomised all that makes the Gurkhas great - the best. I was proud to have known him; he will not be forgotten."

Lance Corporal Gajendra Rai and Lance Corporal Sunil Rai, who both served alongside Rifleman Rai, wrote: "Dear friend Yubraj, you are our best friend, we will never forget you.

"We will remember the day that we all spent the whole night talking about our futures, but you broke your promise, you have left us forever.

"But we are proud of you and what you did for us, your family and for the Queen. Thank you for being our very best friend, we will always remember you."

Secretary of State for Defence, John Hutton MP, said:" I was very saddened to hear of the death of Rifleman Yubraj Rai.

"I am told he stood out as a selfless, tough and dependable soldier. These qualities marked him out very early in his career as an ideal candidate for service with D (Gurkha Reinforcement) Company.

"Clearly the loss of Rifleman Rai is sorely felt by all those who worked with him and I extend my condolences to his family, comrades and friends."