In Memoriam

[Grace]

United Kingdom

21 September 2009

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment has been killed in Afghanistan on the morning of 21 September 2009.

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a dismounted patrol in the Gereshk District, central Helmand Province.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"The death of this courageous soldier from 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment is a heartfelt blow to all of us serving in Task Force Helmand. Our sorrow is nothing compared to the heartache felt by his family to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released

The name of the British soldier has been released.

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett MC, of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 21 September 2009.

Acting Sergeant Lockett was on a dismounted patrol near Patrol Base SANDFORD in the Gereshk district of Helmand province when an explosion detonated, killing him before he could be extracted to hospital.

He was investigating and confirming the find of an Improvised Explosive Device when it exploded. Two other soldiers were injured in the same incident.