NEWS: A Death in Afghanistan

By MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
10 February 2010

THE mother of the latest Edinburgh soldier to be killed in Afghanistan said the death of her "baby boy" has left a hole in her heart.

Private Sean McDonald, 26, from Currie, was leading a routine night patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand on Sunday when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED).

His commander Corporal John Moore, 22, from Hamilton, was also killed in the explosion.

Private McDonald's mother Jacqueline said: "My son was so proud to be a soldier. He will be desperately missed by all family and friends. This tragedy has left a hole in our lives and a hole in our hearts. Sleep well baby boy."

He also leaves behind his wife Jennifer, his brother Darryle and his sister Ceilidh Spratt.

Both men were serving in The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots) based at Dreghorn Barracks.

They were nearing the end of their six-month tour with 1 Scots Bravo Company, dispatched six months ahead of the rest of their regiment with 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 Rifles) in October.

Their comrades were due to relieve them early next month.

Bravo Company commander Major Graeme Wearmouth told how, after ten years as a soldier, Private McDonald was "wrestling with his career in the army" and hoped to leave one day to pursue a career in psychology.

The former Currie Community High pupil was also a sportsman, a keen rugby fan, a regular at West Register Street's Penny Black pub, and even trained as a cage fighter with Duddingston's Alba Dornadair mixed martial arts club.

Major Wearmouth added: "He was physically tough and had a real passion for mixed martial arts, especially cage fighting, helping to introduce it at the Battalion when we were in Edinburgh."

Lieutenant Dave Clark, 4 Platoon Commander, said that his physical side was accompanied by a "sharp mind and a quick tongue".

1 Scots commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert said he hoped his wife Jenny could take comfort in the fact that her husband "died a hero, protecting the people of southern Afghanistan, and in doing so helping to protect this country".

He added: "He will be missed, but never forgotten, and I am privileged to have served with him."

Private McDonald was born in Toronto on 5 October, 1983.

He enlisted into the Army aged 16 and, following his training, joined The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 2001.

He served on three tours of Iraq, and has also served in Bosnia and Northern Ireland.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, called him "a true warrior and a consummate professional".

He said: "Fearlessly and without hesitation Private McDonald threw himself at the most dangerous and daunting of tasks.

"Time and time again he risked his life for his mates, the mission and better prospects for an oppressed local population."