Lance Corporal Luke McCulloch from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment was killed in action following a contact with Taliban forces in Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan on Wednesday 6 September 2006.

Lance Corporal McCulloch was part of a force of a hundred soldiers from 1 R IRISH serving in Helmand Province as part of the 3 PARA Battle Group.

Lance Corporal McCulloch was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery leading his Section during a ferocious ambush by the Taliban in Zumbelay, Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel McGovern, said:

"Lance Corporal McCulloch was a single soldier, 21 years of age and, although British, was originally born in Cape Town, South Africa. He was a truly outstanding soldier, very colourful and a real character. Larger than life, Lance Corporal McCulloch was a delight to have around and always the centre of attention."

"Operationally, he was extremely experienced and served on Operation TELIC 1, the liberation of Iraq and in Northern Ireland. Most recently, he completed a six-month tour in Baghdad and Southern Iraq. He loved soldiering and was one of the first to volunteer to deploy to Afghanistan just to be with his mates."

"The Battalion is deeply saddened at the recent loss of three brother soldiers, all killed as the result of enemy action. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this terrible time. Morale of our troops here remains high and they are determined more than ever to see the job through and ensure that the recent loss of their three friends and comrades will not be in vain."