Warfare in News

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed, with sadness, that the soldier from 5th battalion The Rifles who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, 27 November was Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel.

Rifleman Steel was taking part in a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement and to reassure the local population in the Lashkar Gah district. He was caught in the blast from an Improvised Explosive Device and airlifted to the Camp Bastion field hospital where he was declared killed in action.

Leeds born Rifleman Sheldon Steel, aged 20, joined the Army in November 2009 and underwent basic training in Catterick, North Yorkshire. He passed out in April 2010 and joined 5th Battalion The Rifles, based in Germany, soon afterwards.

He leaves behind his mother, sisters and brother, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, Commanding Officer of 5 RIFLES, describes Rifleman Steel as 'a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness, and natural leadership flair - all underscored by a quiet confidence and understated ambition.'

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed, with sadness, that the soldier from 5th battalion The Rifles who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, 27 November was Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel. Rifleman Steel was taking part in a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement and to reassure the local population in the Lashkar Gah district. He was caught in the blast from an Improvised Explosive Device and airlifted to the Camp Bastion field hospital where he was declared killed in action. Leeds born Rifleman Sheldon Steel, aged 20, joined the Army in November 2009 and underwent basic training in Catterick, North Yorkshire. He passed out in April 2010 and joined 5th Battalion The Rifles, based in Germany, soon afterwards. He leaves behind his mother, sisters and brother, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, Commanding Officer of 5 RIFLES, describes Rifleman Steel as 'a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness, and natural leadership flair - all underscored by a quiet confidence and understated ambition.'