Serviceman Killed By Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan Named
Marcin Wjtak, 24, died after a bomb exploded near his vehicle at a military base in Helmand province
A British serviceman killed patrolling Britain's biggest base in Afghanistan was last night named as senior aircraftsman Marcin Wojtak, known to his colleagues as "Big Ted" because of his caring nature.
Wojtak, 24, from 34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, died on Thursday after a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle outside Camp Bastion, the major British military base in Helmand province.
Senior officers said that Wojtak was known for his gentle temperament and had recently volunteered to become a specialist in helping colleagues deal with trauma. A keen Leicester City football fan, Wojtak was planning to set up home with his girlfriend Sam upon his return from Afghanistan. His death took the number of British service personnel killed in the country to 219.
A statement by his family read: "He was a gentle giant who was admired for his caring nature and endless kindness." The squadron's commander, Squadron Leader George Formby, said: "He was one of those steady, competent, reliable men that form the backbone of any unit."
Wojtak, 24, from 34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, died on Thursday after a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle outside Camp Bastion, the major British military base in Helmand province.
Senior officers said that Wojtak was known for his gentle temperament and had recently volunteered to become a specialist in helping colleagues deal with trauma. A keen Leicester City football fan, Wojtak was planning to set up home with his girlfriend Sam upon his return from Afghanistan. His death took the number of British service personnel killed in the country to 219.
A statement by his family read: "He was a gentle giant who was admired for his caring nature and endless kindness." The squadron's commander, Squadron Leader George Formby, said: "He was one of those steady, competent, reliable men that form the backbone of any unit."
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