Rotherham Minster condolences book for Yorkshire Regiment deaths

Five servicemen from 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment died in an explosion while on mounted patrol in Helmand.

Rotherham Mayor Cllr Shaun Wright signed the book, which was set up by the Vicar of Rotherham, Rev Canon David Bliss.

Cllr Wright said: “Our thoughts are with those five families who have been left bereaved by this latest incident in Afghanistan.

“Rotherham has had close connections with the Yorkshire Regiment for many years and is one of its prime recruiting areas.”

The Yorkshire soldiers were named on Thursday as Cpl Jake Hartley (20), Pte Anthony Frampton (20), Pte Christopher Kershaw (19), Pte Daniel Wade (20) and Pte Daniel Wilford (21).

The sixth soldier, from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was named as Sgt Nigel Coupe (33).

Cllr Wright visited the regiment’s barracks in Wiltshire a few months ago, when they spoke to officers and soldiers.

He said: “At that time they were preparing for deployment to Afghanistan and obviously knew the risks they faced.

“Now unfortunately, some of them, have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Mr Bliss said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of those affected by this tragic loss who were fighting to make this world a better and more peaceful place.”

The sixth soldier was from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The Afghanistan death toll now stands at 404.

The book can be signed on Friday from 9am to 4pm, on Saturday from 9am to noon and next week from 9am to 4pm.