Midlands mourns two soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Jul 13 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

A BRAVE teenage Birmingham soldier sacrificed his own life to try to rescue an injured colleague, it emerged today.

Rifleman Joe Murphy, aged 18, from Castle Bromwich, was killed in an explosion while trying to carry a pal to safety.

His wounded “battle buddy,” Daniel Simpson, aged 20 also died in the blast close to Sangin in Helmand Province.

The soldier, affectionately known by his colleagues as “Murph” or “Smurph” was today described by his parents, Brian and Jill as “a fine young man”.

Another West Midland soldier, Corporal Jonathan Horne, aged 28, from Walsall, was among a total of eight who died in 24 hours of carnage in the fight against the Taliban.

The dad-of-two, known to all his colleagues as ‘J’ was today described by his widow, Rachel, as “the most caring, thoughtful, funniest, loving and generous person I have ever known.”

Rifleman Murphy served with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles and was a passionate Aston Villa fan.

He died while trying to rescue Rifleman Simpson, who had been injured in an earlier explosion. A second blast ripped through both men.

His parents said today: “Joe died doing the job he loved whilst serving his country.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his comrades in Afghanistan.

“He was a fine young man, a dearly loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, who will stay in our hearts forever.”

He also leaves behind, an older brother, Ben.

Rifleman Murphy was a “really bright lad” and a star in the waiting, his colleagues said.

Capt Edward Poynter, Operations Officer C Company 2 Rifles, said: “Rifleman Murphy was an exceptional young Rifleman.