Fallen Hero 'Didn't Go Down Without A Fight'

A British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan "didn't go down without putting up a fight", his comrades have said.

Corporal Michael Pike, 26, from Huntly, Aberdeenshire, died after insurgents armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades attacked his patrol in the Lashkar Gah District of Helmand Province on Friday.

His colleagues, from 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said his quick reactions as he returned fire at the enemy saved lives.

They said the father-of-two was the epitome of a Highland soldier and would not
have wanted the other men to dwell on his loss.

Cpl Pike, described as a "loving and caring family man", leaves behind a wife, Ida, and two children, Joshua and Evelynn.

His wife said: "My husband would want everybody to know that he died doing a job he loved and that he loved our children with all his heart and soul."

Cpl Pike, second in command of 2 platoon, A Company, based at Check Point Pegasus, was on his second tour of Afghanistan.

He was leading the patrol in the area of Pupalzay along Highway 601 when it came under attack.

He fired back on the enemy and his colleagues praised his quick reactions which allowed them time to move out of danger.

His platoon said in a joint statement: "He passed away doing the job he loved but he didn't go down without putting up a fight.

"He was suppressing the enemy in order to cover the lead wagon, the ground call sign and to allow other call signs to manoeuvre out of immediate danger."

Lieutenant Robert Grant, 2 Platoon Commander, A Company, said: "The loss of Corporal Pike, one of the funniest, most life affirming and professionally diligent men I have ever had the privilege to meet, strikes deep in to the heart and soul of all those who knew him.

"An exceptional soldier and inspirational leader, Corporal Pike will be forever missed.

"His death, saving the lives of the men he was devoted to, marks the tragic end of a life that has touched so many, so deeply that it seems almost unreal."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox, said: "My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues as they come to terms with his loss."

His death brought the total number of UK military personnel who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 369.