Iraq bomb soldier 'very courageous'

12 April 2012

The British soldier who died after his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq was described by his father as "a very courageous young man".

Sergeant Graham Hesketh, of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was seriously injured while taking part in a routine patrol in Basra City on Thursday and later died of his injuries.

The 35-year-old, who was born in Liverpool and grew up in Runcorn, Cheshire, had a seven-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.

His fiance is a soldier who is also serving in Iraq.

Sgt Hesketh's father on Saturday joined colleagues and senior officers in paying tribute to him.

Kevin Hesketh said: "Graham had always had it in mind to join the army, enrolling at Catterick Garrison as a junior at 17, where he then went on to see service for three years in the tank regiment.

"He was a very courageous young man, serving in Germany, Ireland and Cyprus."

Sgt Hesketh left the army, but re-enlisted at 22 after being unable to find suitable work elsewhere, his father said.

"He was a very great asset to the army, receiving his promotion to sergeant in 2005. He found this a very challenging position but gained very much respect from his fellow colleagues while serving in this position," he said.

Mr Hesketh said his son was posted to Iraq in November. "He will be remembered by his family, friends, daughter, son, aunts, uncles and many friends he made during his lifetime," he said.

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