Afghan blast death soldier named

Dec 29 2009

A soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Rifleman Aidan Howell.

Rfn Howell, 19, who was born in Sidcup, Kent, was nicknamed "Sunshine Boy", his family said in a tribute statement.

"He may be recognised as a hero now, but to his family and everyone who was lucky enough to know him, he was already a hero," the statement said.

Rfn Howell, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in a blast in the Kajaki area of Helmand province on Monday afternoon.

His family said they could not begin to express the "total and utter devastation" of their loss.

The statement added: "Aidan was a big Leeds United fan and even met the players, his heroes, before he left for Afghanistan.

"He was known as 'Sunshine Boy' to his family and he was a loving son, grandson, and a cheeky and cocky brother.

"He loved his mates both at home and in the Army and he was so proud to be a soldier as we were utterly proud of him."

Rfn Howell went to the Montsaye Community College in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, before joining the Army in 2006.

He was selected to attend the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, before completing his training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.