Tributes To Two Yorkshire Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

17 September 2012, 09:22 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The families of two Yorkshire soldiers killed by a man dressed as a local Afghan policeman have paid tribute to their loved ones.

Married dad-of-two Sergeant Gareth Thursby, 29 and Private Thomas Wroe, 18, were shot dead in the south of Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, on Sunday.

The soldiers served in 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's).

The men were killed at a checkpoint when a man dressed as a local Afghan policeman pretended to be injured so they would help him, defence sources said.

Sgt Thursby from Skipton, North Yorkshire, is survived by his wife Louise and two children, Joshua and Ruby.

His wife said: "Gareth was the love of my life. He was an amazing husband and father, happy, full of life and kind hearted with a passion for his work and family. He was brave, hard working, a loving husband who was a devoted father to his children. Our hero.

Pte Wroe was deployed to Afghanistan on July 1, shortly after his 18th birthday. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Claire, and sister Demi, from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.

His family said in a statement: "Our son Thomas was a brave young soldier, who is loved by his family, girlfriend and friends.

"We can't believe you have been taken so soon from us. You will always be in our hearts for ever and ever. You would light up the room with your smile and bubbly personality. Our world will be a duller place without you. We are so proud of you son, on all you achieved and we are grateful for every special thing you gave us. We will always love you Tom.''

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "All of our thoughts are with the families of Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe. They gave their lives protecting Britain's national security, helping to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a haven for international terrorism.''