Church service for army medic
A book of condolence will open today for Corporal Channing Day who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.
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The fog of war and more dead troops
Channing Day a 'wonderful girl who never stopped smiling'
The family of Corporal Channing Day has released this statement:
– family statementChanning was bubbly, sporty, beautiful and lived her life for the Army. She has died doing what she lived for and in the life that she loved. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a wonderful girl who never stopped smiling and who had an infectious laugh.
Channing played football for Northern Ireland as well as ice hockey and also gained her qualification as a ski instructor through the Army. She was also the Northern Ireland Gymnastics Pairs Champion. A girl who lived her life to the full without ever giving up on her dreams.
Tribute to experienced marine who was 'universally popular'
Major Chris Hall Royal Marines, Officer Commanding Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines gave this tribute to Corporal David O'Connor:
– Major Chris Hall Royal Marines, 40 Commando Royal MarinesCorporal Dave O’Connor was a fantastic, engaging and professional man who was universally popular and highly capable in all he did.
He has been with Charlie Company for many years and was a stalwart of both the professional and social side of Company life.
He ... was very clear in his motivation for returning to Afghanistan for another tour. He wanted to lead his men and utilise his considerable experience to guide them through the next six months and leave Afghanistan a better country.
Dave’s cutting, self-deprecating wit, easy going manner and endearing personality will never be forgotten...
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MoD: Killed soldiers were en route to train Afghan police
The Ministry of Defence has released new details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Corporal David O’Connor and Corporal Channing Day:
– MoD statementCorporal O’Connor and Corporal Day were participating in a patrol with C Company, 40 Commando to conduct low level training with the Afghan Local Police.
While en route to conduct that training, the patrol came under small arms fire near the village of Char Kutsa.
As a result of the engagement Corporal O’Connor was fatally injured alongside his colleague and patrol medic, Corporal Day.
Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan named
The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan yesterday as Corporal David O’Connor from 40 Commando Royal Marines.
Tributes paid to sporty soldier killed in Afghanistan
Tributes have been paid to Channing Day, a medic with 3 Medical Regiment, who was killed on patrol in Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Read the full storyTributes paid to soldier Channing Day
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MLA pays tribute to 'heroic' Channing Day
The MLA for the Northern Ireland constituency where Channing Day grew up, Jonathan Bell, has sent his condolences to her family. He said:
I would extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of this heroic 25-year-old girl, who I understand comes from Comber, in my own constituency in Strangford.Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her loved ones, and also with the soldier from the 40 Commando Unit of the Marines.
Channing Day 'always said she wanted to join the Army'
Channing Day was a bubbly and sporty teenager who dreamed of joining the Army as a schoolgirl, a former teacher said today.
The acting principal of Strangford College Paul Maxwell said: "She always said she wanted to join the Army, she was pretty much focused on wanting to join the Army."
He said her sporting prowess revealed her gritty determination to succeed.
"It was not just that she was good but that she always showed commitment, she stayed after school and did all the practice," he added.
Northern Ireland's First Minister pays tribute to female soldier
The First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson has expressed his sympathy for the family of Channing Day who was killed on patrol in Afghanistan yesterday.
It is understood the 25-year-old medic was originally from Comber, Co Down.
Mr Robinson said: "It is with great regret and sadness that I have learned of the death of this young soldier who has tragically lost her life while trying to protect and save the lives of those around her.
"The incredible bravery displayed by our armed forces is immense and the risk they take on a daily basis can never be underestimated."
Female soldier killed in Afghanistan named
The Ministry of Defence has named the soldier killed in Afghanistan yesterday as 25-year-old Channing Day from 3 Medical Regiment.
She was killed while on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province while serving with Task Force Helmand.
A Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines also died in the incident.