A CHELMSFORD man has been killed while serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Scott Hardy was killed while serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, as a result of an explosion which occurred in an area approximately 20km north of Musa Qal'ah district centre, Helmand province. He died along with Private James Grigg from Suffolk.
At the time of their deaths Lance Corporal Hardy (pictured) and Private Grigg were on an operation inserted deep into Taliban territory, attacking the insurgents where they least expected it.
Lance Corporal Hardy, 26, was born and raised in Chelmsford. A bricklayer before joining the Army, he excelled at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. He passed out of training in May 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 only three weeks later.
His age and maturity showed in Afghanistan and he was identified as a soldier with the potential to become a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. He passed his Leadership Course in the winter of 2008 and was promoted shortly after.
Lance Corporal Hardy arrived in Afghanistan on 19 October 2009 and was employed as a Section Second in Command in 3 Platoon of A (Norfolk) Company.
Lance Corporal Hardy's family and girlfriend made the following statement: " Scott was a proud professional soldier who courageously gave his life for his country in Helmand Province.
"He had previously served there in 2007. As an infantryman he brought a passionate enthusiasm to the job of Section Commander. Having already promoted quickly, attendance on his next promotion course had been planned for return from Afghanistan.
"Possessing great inner strength and a powerful personality, Scott could be relied upon, even in the worst of situations, to lift his men’s morale. They loved him - he loved them.
"Whilst being a highly competitive man, his role as a dearly loved son, brother, uncle and partner, developed his gift for attentiveness towards those around him. His young nephews and nieces agreed that his presence, 'brightened a room'.
"His father, brother, sisters and childhood sweetheart, Charlene, feel words fail to express the sorrow only a heart-broken family knows.
"To lose Scott, is to lose a huge part of life itself. But he will always be with us, making us smile, giving us pride and gratitude. We also wish to remember his Viking comrades with heartfelt sympathy. Rest in peace valiant friend."
Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment said: "The Battalion lost two fine young men, killed by an IED whilst conducting an Operation to rid the Taliban from an area to the North of Musa Qal'ah.
"Serving as part of A (Norfolk) Company, Lance Corporal Scott Hardy has been part of a close knit team which has, through hard Infantry graft, created real improvements in the security for large numbers of people.
"This security allows education, development and health care to flourish without the fear of retribution or intimidation. It is painful that such progress comes at such human cost.
"Scott came to my attention soon after I took over command - a big man, with real gravitas and a natural leader of men. He was a stereotypical Junior Non Commissioned Officer - he could have been squeezed out of the mould that has been producing Infantry leaders for generations.
"Always ready to see the bright side of life, always ready with banter when the situation allowed it. Mature and unflappable, he was one of those individuals who takes life in their stride.
"He was earmarked to attend the Section Commanders Battle Course later this year and we expected him to pass with flying colours.
"His performance leading men in the most demanding of circumstances in Afghanistan was notable - he was steadfast under fire and hugely brave. Blessed by a robust sense of humour, Scott was the first to laugh at life's challenges and keep soldiering on.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Scott's family and girlfriend at this tragic time. This man served as a Viking and died a Viking - we will remember his sacrifice for evermore."