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Capt Andrew Griffiths

Also known as: Andy.

Capt Griffiths, 25, from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died on Sunday 5th September, 2010 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, after he was wounded in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province last month.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, the family of Capt Griffiths, who was born in Richmond, North Yorkshire, said: ''Andrew was a beloved son, brother and boyfriend who will be hugely missed for the joy he brought into our lives. “We are immensely proud of him and all that he has achieved in his all too short a life. He died doing a job he loved and excelled at.''
Capt Griffiths, who was known as Andy, was brought up in a military family and studied European and international studies at Loughborough University, before starting the commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in September 2007. He only ever considered joining The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, "Lions of England", his father's Regiment.
On completion of the Platoon Commander's Battle course, he took over command of 5 Platoon, Blenheim Company, in the 2nd Battalion based in Episkopi, Cyprus, prior to starting pre-deployment training with his battalion as the theatre reserve battalion.
On his first tour in Afghanistan, he was deployed to Babaji during Operation Panther's Claw and later to Nad-e Ali.
On return from Helmand he moved into Dettingen (Fire Support) Company and immediately crafted his Javelin Platoon and his fire support group into a well-trained, well-drilled team.
Capt Griffiths was wounded after his Platoon had cleared and occupied a compound that was to be used as a future patrol base during a security operation.
As he moved through the compound to allow entry for an approaching patrol, he was caught in the explosion which seriously injured him.
He was given first aid, before being evacuated by his soldiers and returned to the UK for further treatment. He died from his wounds surrounded by his family.