Former Ely Man Named As One of the 15 British Servicemen Killed in Afghanistan in the Last Week

A SOLDIER born in Ely has been named as one of the 15 British servicemen killed in one the bloodiest weeks in the Afghanistan conflict. Cpl Lee Scott, 26, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed by an explosion in Helmand Province on July 10 while taki

A SOLDIER born in Ely has been named as one of the 15 British servicemen killed in one the bloodiest weeks in the Afghanistan conflict.

Cpl Lee Scott, 26, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed by an explosion in Helmand Province on July 10 while taking part in the Army's high profile Panther's Claw Operation, aimed at seizing several key Taliban strongholds.

Cpl Scott was born in Ely before moving to King's Lynn where he married his wife Nikki, with whom he had two children, a four year-old son Kai, and eight month-old daughter Brooke.

Mrs Scott paid tribute to her husband: "Lee was not only my husband but my best friend, ask anyone who was lucky enough to have met Lee and they'd all tell you the same, he was the most loving, kindest, thoughtful person you could ever meet.

"He was so full of life and permanently had a cheeky grin on his face. I am so proud to be his wife. As well as the army, his family were his life.

"He was the best daddy to Kai and Brooke and he will live on through them. Lee will always be in our thoughts and hearts and greatly missed by his Dad, Mum, Kelly, Dean and Denise. This is a devastating loss to the whole family."

Cpl Scott was described by colleagues as an 'inspirational' figure who commanded respect and admiration from his troop. He was also a qualified freefall parachutist, coastal day skipper and undefeated in the troop's scrabble tournament.

Cpl Kevin Williams, a colleague of Cpl Scott's, said: "A loyal, caring, brave and courageous soldier, Corporal Lee Scott, "Scotty", was dedicated to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

"His self pride and continuous selfless commitment were clear from the outset. He was always first to help if needed, and always carried an infectious smile taking happiness, morale and laughter everywhere with him.

He would always brighten up a room with his contagious laughter and smile, and would never let a thing get him down.

"Scotty will be missed by all. He may be gone, but he will always remain in our hearts. He will never be forgotten."

Cpl Lee's death comes amid a week of heavy losses for the Armed Forces with 15 servicemen, including three 18 year-old soldiers confirmed by the Ministry of Defence as having been killed in action in Afghanistan.

Speaking to the House of Commons last week Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said: "Our troops will continue to face a tough and dangerous battle, and we will continue to give their safety the highest priority."

Pic cap: Cpl Lee Scott of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

Photo: SUPPLIED