Last updated at 16:34, Friday, 18 January 2013

A SOLDIER from Barrow who was shot in the neck in Afghanistan has died from his wounds.

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Kingsman Dave Shaw

Kingsman Dave Shaw, from Flass Meadows, was serving  in 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province when he sustained the injury on Monday January 14.

Kgn Shaw, aged 23, had undergone two emergency operations in Afghanistan before being flown to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham later on Monday morning.

The family of Kgn Shaw said: “David was a much-loved son and brother who was proud to have served his country in the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. He loved his family and friends and would always make time for a hug for everybody. He enjoyed playing football, running and was an Arsenal fan. He also followed his local team, Barrow AFC. He has touched many lives. He will be missed and never forgotten.”

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wood, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, said: “The death of Kingsman David Shaw is a devastating tragedy. The loss of our fallen comrade, who has fought so bravely and fiercely for three months, is deeply felt by all in the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

“David was a true Cumbrian and Kingsman: physically and mentally tough, a warrior through and through, utterly loyal to those he worked with and possessing a sense of humour that touched us all. Known throughout the Battalion as ‘Doctor S’ he was the most popular of individuals. His joking and light heartedness would lift the gloomiest of situations and have us all laughing. He was someone we all wanted to be with and have around.

“Highly experienced in operating in Afghanistan, he was conducting his second tour having previously served here in 2010. Both times he deployed regularly into some of the most dangerous parts of the country but was unflinching in his bravery and courage. Displaying nothing but professionalism and focus on the task, his ability to inspire those about him marked him out as a future leader. Everyone wanted to be next to David on patrol as they knew he would be there for them. As one of the more senior Kingsmen in his platoon he took pride in helping those junior to him through challenging times, and there were plenty. Such unselfishness was something that we all aspire to.

“The loss of David has left a gaping hole in the Battalion and in our lives. Our memories of him will make us laugh and cry and renew our resolve to succeed with the mission - his sacrifice will not have been in vain. Yet it is to David's family that I wish to express our deepest sympathies. I hope that knowing David was the best of Kingsmen, a true warrior and friend, who died doing what he loved, may offer them some comfort.”

He was serving his second tour and had been in Afghanistan since October.

His family have been informed.

First published at 17:00, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk