Body of soldier who died rescuing comrade flown home
The body of an East Yorkshire soldier who died while trying to rescue a wounded comrade in Afghanistan will be flown home today.
Corporal Matthew James Stenton, 23, of The Royal Dragoon Guards, whose family live in Bridlington, was killed in Helmand Province on Wednesday last week.
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Killed in action: Corporal Matthew James Stenton.
Corporal Stenton will be flown back to UK soil, along with Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, 28, of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who also died by small arms fire as the pair went to the aid of a wounded comrade, in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the bodies will arrive at RAF Lyneham at 4.40pm.
A repatriation ceremony will follow in the Wiltshire town of Wootton Bassett.
The town has become well-known for its crowds of residents who turn out along its High Street to pay their respects to the dead soldiers.
Corporal Stenton was born and raised in Wakefield and attended Wakefield Cathedral High School.
He was only deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month.
He leaves behind his father Michael, stepmother Gillian, and sister Charlotte.
As reported in the Mail, his family issued a statement through the MOD that read: "Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in life, his family and friends. He died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends.
"We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear he died while trying to help one of his fellow comrades."
Sergeant Scott Dyer, 1st Troop Sergeant, D (The Green Horse) Squadron, The Viking Group said: "We have lost a comrade, a friend and an amazing soldier who died a brave death defending an injured comrade.
"Cpl Matty Stenton was a true hero. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
3 Comments
by Spud, Hull
Thursday, July 29 2010, 11:41PM
“Ranter?? First taliban dont pick out there targets, it was mearly Matts loyalty and bravery to a fallen friend of which put him in the line of fire, Commanding officers, Squadron leaders and senior none commisioned soldiers have all died recently. Also when the conflict ended in 2003 in Iraq, the people of Iraq (the true people) thanked us soldiers of whom had removed an evil dictator from there rule, the fighting what followed through to the end of op-tellic (13-14) when we finally left Iraq, was the British and Americans trying to stop the next Saddam from taking over and to give the country the fresh start it needed. Who cares if it was legal? It wasnt for oil? It was for simply this, "Those who have power, should protect those with none"!!
Iraq is now a better place, soon will Afghanistan...95% of Herroin which lands on British streets comes from Afghan,
it funds terrorism, if we fight them there of which we are, then our streets can be a little safer for our childrens sakes.
R.I.P Matt my mate, I will see you next week, always will remember you Spud.”
by Andy, Hull
Thursday, July 29 2010, 4:46PM
“Deepest sympathy to the family of Corporal Stenton. Clearly a very brave young man whose family have been robbed..
In all the pain and sorrow, remember you can all be very proud of Matty.”
by Ranter, Hull.
Thursday, July 29 2010, 4:06PM
“How sad another brave man has died.
Dont know how true it is, but heard the Taliban are targeting the youngest soldiers as they know this affects morale.
People say Iraq was over oil. Goverments deny ir.
Heard Afghanistan has billions and billions of pounds worth of natural minerals awaiting plunder in the future. Mmmmm...
Seems some British oil evploration companies have begun test drilling around the Falklands recently as well.
Makes you think what some of our soldiers are really being sacrificed for..”