British soldier, Lance Corporal Stephen McKee

Stephen McKee

Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, of the Royal Irish Regiment, was killed on 9th March 2011, during an operation to disrupt insurgent activity in the northern Dashte area of Nad-e Ali district. His vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. 

Lance Corporal McKee, aged 27, came from Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. In 2003 he joined 3rd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment as a part-time soldier. When the Home Service were disbanded he decided to transfer to 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment and he joined them at Tern Hill, Shropshire, in April 2007.

He was posted to B Company, where he served with distinction for 3 years before moving to the Machine Gun Platoon in D Company in 2010. He first deployed on Op HERRICK 8 in March 2008 and was quickly recognised as a fine soldier, trustworthy and courageous.

He leaves behind his wife Carley, his two parents, three brothers and two sisters.

British Ranger, David Dalzell, killed.

David Dalzell

British soldier, David Dalzell, a Ranger serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was killed on 4th February 2011. He was 20 years old.

He died in what the Ministry of Defence described as an "operational accident" while working in Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province.

Ranger Dalzell, from Bangor, County Down, finished his recruit training last summer and was on his first deployment.

He was described as "fearless" and "popular" by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir.

"Ranger David Dalzell was an extraordinary young man, and despite his relatively short time in the Army he was already much loved by his fellow soldiers," he said.

"Day after day he continually faced down the enemy and fought shoulder to shoulder with his brother Rangers; he was fearless."