A COMMANDO from Rochford has been killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, 26, of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was fatally wounded when the gun position he was commanding in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province came under attack.

His family said he committed everything he had to a cause that he truly believed in.

In a statement, Lt Lewis's family - including his parents Barry and Helen - said: "Aaron was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend and uncle and the feeling of loss will never leave us. But our proud memories of him will live on forever.

"Aaron will rest peacefully knowing that he was helping others and saving lives so that other families will not have to go through what we, as a family, are at this time.

"Aaron constantly achieved everything that he set out to do and in joining the Army, committed everything he had to a cause that he truly believed in.

"We are so proud of Aaron as a person and an officer and he knew how much his family loved him even though we couldn't be there to help when he needed us most."

Lt Lewis joined the Army to satisfy his thirst for adventure and physical challenge after gaining a 2:1 degree in sports and exercise science from Loughborough University.

He passed out at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in April 2007.

After completing the Royal Artillery Young Officers’ Course he was posted to 29 Commando Regiment, in Plymouth.

He passed the All Arms Commando Course in June 2008 and was deployed with his gun troop to Afghanistan in October 2008.

A carol service dedicated to Aaron's memory is to be held by the Campion School, his former sixth form, at Corpus Christi Church, Lowshoe Lane, Collier Row, Romford at 7.30 pm on Thursday December 18. All are welcome.

A NATURAL LEADER

AARON Lewis, who celebrated his 26th birthday on December 4, excelled at sports and represented Loughborough University at rugby.

At Sandhurst, he qualified as a mountain leader trainer and was in the process of organising a training expedition to France.

Before joining the Army, Lt Lewis was a physical training instructor and the Ministry of Defence said he was well known for leading spinning cycling classes which tired out even the toughest Commandos under his command.

The MoD statement said: “Lt Lewis was a natural leader whose selfless attitude was evident in all he did.

“In a short space of time he built up a strong reputation as an able officer.

“He was a proud family man and was full of appreciation for his parents, Barry and Helen, realising that their hard work had given him the launch pad for the life upon which he was embarking.

“Through his charm he met Naomi and she soon became an inseparable part of his life. His loss will be felt for many years to come.”

Major Rob Alsworth, Battery Commander of 79 (Kirkee) Battery, Royal Artillery, said: “Lt Aaron Lewis was commanding F Troop, 79 Kirkee Commando Battery Royal Artillery.

“He was the young officer we all wished we could be, combining dedicated professionalism with an infectious thirst for fun and adventure.

“He threw himself into his career and loved commanding soldiers. A popular troop commander and natural leader, he fought hard to achieve the very best for his men and this evident compassion for his team was repaid with genuine respect.

“Whether being pushed to the limits on All Arms Commando Course or on operations commanding F Troop, he inspired the very best from his men.

“Aaron was motivated by all things active. He was in the midst of organising a diving expedition to introduce himself and his soldiers to yet another new challenge.

“Aaron was at the centre of all things social, frequently organising Mess parties.

“He was excellent at making new members and guests feel immediately at ease, usually with the help of Tequila!”

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