Afghanistan victim James 'a model soldier'

The Ministry of Defence have now officially confirmed that James, of D (The Green Horse) Squadron, The Viking Group, The Royal Dragoon Guards, was killed while on patrol in an armoured vehicle in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

The 20-year-old Trooper, of Rawmarsh, was part of a team providing security for a road building project when his Viking armoured vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

James leaves  his parents, Neville and Sharon, his three brothers, Neville, Lewis and Jack, and his girlfriend, Tiffany, who is due to give birth to their first child in September.

“James was strong-minded and determined. Whatever he set his mind to, he kept on trying until he achieved his goal. He was very likeable and had many friends in and out of the Army,” said a statement issued by his family and friends.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, Commanding Officer of The Royal Dragoon Guards, described James as a “model soldier.”

He said: “Trooper James Leverett (known as Levy) was a Royal Dragoon Guard of significant potential.

“He was young, bright, robust, fit, brave, intelligent and tremendously popular.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, girlfriend and unborn child.

“He will never be forgotten by his many friends. We will remember him.""

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