KILLED IN ACTION

1 FEBRUARY 2010 - LANCE CORPORAL GRAHAM SHAW AND CORPORAL LIAM RILEY KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN [3 YORKS].

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Corporal Liam Riley and Lance Corporal Graham Shaw, both from the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's), were killed in Afghanistan on Monday 1 February 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Vallings, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment said:

"Typically, Lance Corporal Graham Shaw was at the front of the patrol when he was tragically killed by an IED in Helmand. He was 27 years old, totally selfless, an excellent soldier and the best of fun. He had that knack of being able to balance both work and play to ensure he got the very best out of all that he tackled. He was from Huddersfield and he had that Yorkshire fighting spirit in abundance. You would want him on your team whatever the task. Lance Corporal Graham Shaw was at his best on operations where he thrived under the added pressure and difficult conditions. He would brighten your day with his sense of humour and determination to get the job done. Lance Corporal Graham Shaw's loss is felt by us all in this close knit Battalion but none more so than by his family and friends and our thoughts and prayers are with them. A great soldier and a great bloke who served his country and his friends, making Afghanistan a better place." 

The Commanding Officer went on to say:

"Corporal Liam Riley volunteered at short notice to serve in Afghanistan such was his eagerness to do his duty. He was a strapping soldier from Sheffield and at only 21 years old had been identified as one of our stars of the future. He was an inspirational leader of men and was the youngest corporal in the Battalion. I have little doubt that he was heading to the top of his unique profession. He led by example, with boundless energy and an infectious smile that would spur his team on when life got tough. He was killed today by an IED in Helmand, whilst heroically returning fire to extract one of his team. He personified all the very best qualities of a Yorkshire soldier: brave, tough, honest and proud. Whilst, we take great strength from Corporal Liam Riley's distinctive courage and example his loss has hit us hard in 3 YORKS. Our thoughts and prayers are not only with his fellow soldiers who continue to rise to the challenges of Helmand but, also with his family and friends whose loss is immeasurable."