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Family's tribute to dead soldier

4:18pm Saturday 10th November 2007

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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."

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Rachel, Sidcup says...
6:10pm Sat 10 Nov 07

Lesley & Keith, I used to baby-sit for Jake & Joseph. We lived opposite. My Mum told me this awful news, she is really upset. My heart goes out to you all. We owe so much to our brave soldiers and it is so tragic that so many are being lost. Our thoughts are with you. Rachel x

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Caroline Hearn, Eltham says...
9:56pm Sat 10 Nov 07

I've known Jake since I was 3. We were at playgroup and Roper Street school together. I will always remember his cheeky face and he always had a good heart.
All my family's thoughts are with you at this time.

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Kathleen, Bromley says...
10:38pm Sat 10 Nov 07

I wanted to thank this young man for serving his country and for setting such a fine example for others. Sadly his life was cut far too short. Even though I do not know him or his family, I am saddened by this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and may Jake rest in peace.

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zoe pemberton, Eltham says...
10:46pm Sat 10 Nov 07

I had the pleasure of working with Jake at the EYE - he was a star and I always had a soft spot for him. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.
xx

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richard daington, london says...
8:28pm Sun 11 Nov 07

jake was our friend for a good 8years and what great 8years they were!! he always made us laugh and sometimes even cry!! i remember so many funny times together being stupid and having a laugh in the park where we spent most of our teens!! we just wish you were still here to share them with us! its such a shame that this has happened to such a fun loving person like you we will miss you sooooo much jake and trust me my friend you will never ever be forgotten!! we wish you all the peace in the world and one day we will all be back together again having the jokes together that we used to!! rest in peace mate love you lots love Claire S, Richard D and our baby Harry x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

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CC, eltham says...
1:50pm Mon 12 Nov 07

RIP Jake x

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mt, says...
2:40pm Mon 12 Nov 07

god bless you. thank you for all you did for our country. r.i.p.

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Danielle Diment, bexley says...
3:11pm Mon 12 Nov 07

Dear Jake
May your new wings let you fly free...
Rest In Peace
Danielle x

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Bonnie, Bexley says...
4:23pm Mon 12 Nov 07

I have known Jake all of my life and have spent many great times together. I will never forget Jakes cheeky smile.I'm still finding it hard to believe what has happended. We will miss you so so much.I promise Jake to look after your Mum,Dad, Joe and Sarah.Love you lots and lots. Bonnie & Lee ****

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Gary, Reading says...
11:38pm Mon 12 Nov 07

We had the good luck to meet Keith,Leslie & Sara on holiday in Greece three years ago.
We returned to the same resort last year Jake & Joseph were with them this time, All i can say is if i had had boy's instead of girls i would have been very proud if they had turned out like Jake & Joseph, they are a credit to you both.
Thinking of you all
Gary,Kim,Emma,Sophie
&Charlotte

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AmyC, Bexley says...
8:58pm Tue 13 Nov 07

Jake will always be remembered in my heart.
I have known him all my life,all my memories are full of fun and laughter.
i'm so proud of him.
God bless you jake,rest in peace.
All my love Amy x

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AmyCollins., Bexley says...
9:11pm Tue 13 Nov 07

Jake will always be remembered in my heart.
I have known him all my life,all my memories are full of fun and laughter.
i'm so proud of him.
God bless you jake,rest in peace.
All my love Amy x

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nic, says...
6:24pm Thu 15 Nov 07

jake you will always be in my heart. i cant get it in my head your gone. my heart goes out to your famliy. The night you was goin afghan you told me you wasnt scared and you wanted to go. your so brave. your the world's greatest. camp will never be the same without you. RIP babe love ya nic and jo (sgt's mess)

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nicole, bellingham says...
9:20am Mon 19 Nov 07

cant believe your actually gone. i miss u so much n always will. i feel honoured that u were gna marry me n i'l always luv u. ur my soulmate n ur family will always b my family. i dunno wat im gna do wivout ya. nic xxxxxxxxxxx

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corinne, Petts Wood says...
4:36pm Tue 20 Nov 07

I know someone from 36 Engr Rgt who was serving in Afghan at the same time as Jake. He is still out there now and rang me the other day to say how highly Jake was thought of among the lads. Jake will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and girlfriend.

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wendy, london says...
7:23pm Fri 23 Nov 07

wish we could have got to know you betta jake, u tuk a brave journey and u will never be forgotten. rest in peace, and our thoughts r wif nic and ur family & friends and everyone who loves you. u'l b greatly missed ****

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Kerry, Orpington says...
3:04pm Fri 30 Nov 07

My Brother is going afghanistan soon he came back from iraq a little while ago i do not know how you are feeling. i am so so sorry about your loss!! I dont know what id do without my brother. HE IS A HEROE AND WILL BE 4EVER AS WILL ALL THE BOYS THAT HAVE DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY!!! Kerry x

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Bridget Salvage, Gloucestershire says...
6:57pm Fri 30 Nov 07

Our thoughts are with Jakes family and nic.our son Daniel was with Jake in Afghanistan and says how much he misses him.We are proud to say we knew you jake. RIP XXX

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Tara Dugan, Gillingham, Kent says...
6:59pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Death Leaves A Heartache No-one can heal, Love & Friendship Leaves Memories No-one Can Steal, My Thoughts Are With Your Family & Nicole at this sad time. Rest Now Jake, you'll never be Forgotten.

Tara (Wife Of Ssgt Dugan 20 Field Sqn, 36 Engr Regt)

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Sarah, Eltham says...
9:36am Thu 6 Dec 07

I LOVE U SO MUCH JAKE AND I MISS YOU LOADS...I CANT BELIEVE THIS :(
I WANT YOU BACK

LOVE U
LITTLE SIS ****

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R, says...
12:27am Mon 7 Jan 08

I am hardly able to understand what his family and friends are going through, but as a young person I feel it should be said that there are people in the UK who do appreciate what is being done out in Iraq and Afghanistan. RIP

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andy, erith says...
2:52pm Tue 15 Jan 08

lesley and keith,and all the family.as a father of a 23 year old son who is not in the army,my heart breaks for you as i write this measage i have tears in my eyes no one can say how they would react to something as heart breaking as this.your son was a brave man and i thank him rip jake.

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nicole, bellingham says...
3:48pm Thu 17 Jan 08

you would av been home on rnr 2day babe and it breaks our hearts ur not. so many good things have happened in your name. i still miss you like crazy and a day hasnt gone by that i havent cried 4 u. you wrecked my heart ya little sod. love u always, sleep tight babe, luv pie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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bridget, glos says...
7:22pm Mon 21 Jan 08

to jakes parents,family and nicole my thoughts are with you all every day and we will always remember jake.xxx

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lesley alderton, eltham says...
3:45pm Thu 7 Feb 08

jake our beautiful boy, our brave soldier god we miss you so much, it does not get any easier without u in our lives as we do not feel complete. christmas and new yr was particularly hard we were reminiscing over last yr being with u. u would have been home on r&r and gone back by now, if only that was to be.it was my bday yesterday and all i wanted was u back. we all felt the same at xmas, this house is not the same without u, u were are sunshine, music and laughter, even skyes missing u! her big brown labrador eyes look so so sad when we are upset. but we are all trying to stay strong as u would have wanted, 1 thing u werent jake was a quitter! but all we can do is hold on tight to all our happy memories, thats what keeps u with us. we are in the process of having your stone made and the words will be fitting for a true war hero an anonymous sapper left a message on the gone 2 soon site, the words were so poignant we feel we should add them to ours; " stand at ease soldier, your time has come to take a rest, may u rest in peace". i cant even repeat them without crying, how lovely, i wish we new his name. jake my beautiful baby, cheeky toddler, lovely child and not so terrible teen! who grew into a great man and soldier who sadly left us too soon. until we meet again, lots of love hugs and kisses, mum, xxx

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lyn, london says...
12:55pm Tue 12 Feb 08

Just been watching Ross Kemp in Afghanistan-sky one-It shows the Awful conditions and fighting our Guys are up against-hope Bush and Blair have trouble sleeping at night-RIP

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