Family's tribute to dead soldier (From News Shopper)

Family's tribute to dead soldier

4:18pm Saturday 10th November 2007 in News By Robert Fisk

A BEXLEY-born soldier's family have paid tribute to their beacon of light' who was killed in Afghanistan yesterday (November 9).

Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment was killed yesterday (November 9) when the vehicle he was in rolled off a bridge.

He was pronounced dead at the scene near the district centre of Sangin in Helmand Province.

The 22-year-old was part of a British group taking part in an operation in support of the Afghan National Army at the time of the incident at around 4am.

Another soldier and an interpreter were also injured and taken to hospital by helicopter with non-life threatening injuries.

There were no enemy forces involved.

'Never forgotten'

In a joint statement, Jake's mum and dad, Keith and Lesley Alderton, brother Joseph Alderton, sister Sarah Alderton and girlfriend Nicole Thangarajal said: "Like all parents who have lost a child, our lives have been shattered and life will never be the same again.

"Jake wanted to be a soldier since the age of 10, and at the age of 16 he joined and went to Arborfield Army Technical College, where he chose the Royal Engineers for his career.

"He loved the Army life and life in general, and never wasted a moment in either.

"His concern regarding his duties was such that he spoke emphatically about the Afghan people's plight and fully understood his role in helping them; and was so willing to go, such were his morals and convictions, that he said to me his father he would not want to wear a stripe unless he served in action.

"That typified Jake's attitude and approach to life.

"He was a beacon of light that brightened any room and cheered up anyone lucky enough to meet him.

"He inspired others and asked for nothing and always believed in doing the right thing.

"He has touched so many people throughout his life in only good ways.

"We are so proud of our brave soldier and he will always be in our hearts and minds and never forgotten."