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

TRIBUTES have been paid to a hero who died after coming under enemy attack in Afghanistan.

• Related article: Barrow soldier, 23, dies after being wounded in Afghanistan

Kingsman Dave Shaw

Kingsman David Robert Shaw, of Flass Meadows, Barrow, was shot when his checkpoint came under attack from insurgents in the Lashkar Gah District of Helmand Province on Monday.

Kgn Shaw was flown to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham later that day but died on Wednesday.

In a tribute, Kgn Shaw’s family 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.”

The 23-year-old joined the army in February 2008 and was posted to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment after completing his training in Catterick. He was deployed to the British Army Training Unit, in Suffield, Canada, in the summer of 2009 where he was employed as a rifleman.

After a first deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, Kgn Shaw returned to Helmand in October last year as a qualified sharpshooter.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “All new soldiers in Corunna Company looked up to Kgn Shaw and followed the excellent example that he set.

“This was demonstrated when he was involved in an incident on Operation Herrick where four local children had fallen into a canal following a vehicle accident. The children were taken by local nationals to the nearest Security Forces checkpoint, where Kgn Shaw did not hesitate to administer first aid to the children; his swift actions and assistance to the medics were of the highest calibre.

“Faultless in his motivation and resolve, Kgn Shaw was usually at the centre of any outbreak of morale and could be guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any kingsman.”

Defence secretary Philip Hammond said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kgn David Robert Shaw. He has been praised by his colleagues as a highly skilled and capable soldier whose loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

“My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and those he served alongside in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.”

First published at 10:29, Friday, 18 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk