Book of Condolence for tributes to Private Kershaw is open here

Tributes are today being paid to Bradford soldier Chris Kershaw who has been described by his commanding officer as “A true Yorkshire Warrior”.

Private Kershaw, 19, was a former pupil of Hanson School and was one of six soldiers who died in an explosion in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

Lt Colonel Zac Stenning, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, today read a eulogy to the men outside Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire.

He said: "Barely 48 hours ago, we heard the terrible news that six soldiers from The 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, were declared missing, believed killed, after their Warrior armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.

"As their commanding officer of a tight knit family regiment, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my incredibly brave men, and to offer my deepest condolences to their families, and to their many friends.”

He added: “Christopher Kershaw was one of my fittest soldiers. Chris's natural love of the great outdoors shone through in everything he did.

"It was this passion, coupled with his drive to continuously develop himself, that made him stand out from his peers. A true Yorkshire Warrior, Chris was marked out as a star of the future.”

The other fallen soldiers are Sergeant Nigel Coupe, Corporal Jake Joseph Hartley, Private Anthony Frampton, Private Daniel Wade and Private Daniel Wilford. Lt Col Stenning said: “And so, this week, six of our brothers have fallen. It has been a sad day, but as their brothers-in-arms we remain committed in our duty to continue with our mission. They would want nothing less. Our loss is very great, but this is nothing when compared to the deep loss felt by their families and friends.

"Our thoughts and prayers are firmly with them today. Finally, I want to thank the many well-wishers who have shown their support to us at this very difficult time."

Friends of Pvte Kershaw, who was a keen rugby fan, paid their tributes own tributes. Pal Lucas Worsnop told the T&A: “He was a brave solder who will be missed. He had a heart of gold and kindness. He was an incredible friend. He was a brave solder with a big heart, he will be missed but not forgotten and he was an amazing friend to everyone.”

Former schoolfriends who knew Pvte Kershaw fropm Hanson were shocked at the news. Ellie Greenwood of Bradford: “He was a year older than me in school were friends quite a few years back. It’s such a shame.”

Others paid tribute via social networking site Twitter. Travis Kane Cheetham‏, who used to play in the same rugby team as Pvte Kershaw, wrote: “It’s crazy when you know someone who actually dies in a war, shouldn't be happening... poor lad hasn't even reached 21… r.i.p chris kershaw.”

Student nurse Kate Dickenson, 21, tweeted: “Can't actually believe its someone I know. RIP Chris Kershaw.”