http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... nistan.htmLance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty killed in Afghanistan
A Military Operations news article
13 Jun 08
It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 Para) on Thursday 12 June 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Early on 12 June 2008, 8 Platoon of C (Bruneval) Company, 2 Battalion the Parachute Regiment was engaged by the Taliban north of their base at FOB GIBRALTAR in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province.
During the exchange of fire Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty were killed in the face of the enemy amongst their colleagues and friends.
Commanding Officer of 2 PARA, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O’Sullivan, paid the following tribute:
"This morning, 8 Platoon of C (Bruneval) Company was engaged by the Taliban north of their base at FOB GIBRALTAR. During the exchange of fire LCpl James Bateman and Pte Jeff Doherty were killed.
"They died doing what they had been asked to do, operating in difficult country against a dangerous enemy to make it harder for the enemy to influence the people and give those people the chance of a better life. They had patrolled the area around FOB GIBRALTAR with great skill for 2 months and had taken the fight to the Taliban in the Musa Qal’eh Wadi.
"The Battalion’s memorial stone bears the inscription ‘there is no better place in the world to be than in the midst of 2 PARA when there is a battle on’. LCpl James Bateman and Pte Jeff Doherty wanted to be in the Parachute Regiment and in the midst of 2 PARA in Afghanistan.
"Their commitment to their friends and the steadfast courage they showed as they faced their battle this morning is in the finest tradition of the Regiment and admired by us all. We will think about them, and what they were prepared to give here, and we will think about their families whose loss is so great.
"They will join Pte Charles Murray, Pte Daniel Gamble and Pte Nathan Cuthbertson and return home to where their families and the Regiment are waiting to meet them, and we will continue with our work in the Helmand River valley.
"Much is said about how difficult that work is and how long it may take, but 2 PARA is somewhat older than the Taliban; the Battalion has seen challenging times before and has always succeeded - no matter what odds have been stacked against it. So we will pay our respects and we will ensure that record is kept as our tribute to them.”
Lance Corporal James Bateman
James ‘Jay’ Bateman was born on 11 January 1979 and grew up in Staines, Middlesex where he went to school. He lived in Colchester with his wife Victoria to whom he was married in Salisbury Cathedral last year. Jay was a man of passions, dedicated to his wife, applying relentless enthusiasm to his job and fervent about West Ham United Football club. He was larger than life in every respect, a man of considerable physical presence; he was loud, vivacious and overflowing with life.
He joined the Parachute Regiment in 2001, and upon completion of his training was posted to 2 PARA in March 2002, initially to 9 Platoon, C (Bruneval) Company.
On promotion to Lance Corporal he was posted to D Company. He had served with the Battalion in Northern Ireland and Iraq previously. It was just before deployment that he returned to 8 Platoon as second-in-command of 1 Section in the Company in which he began his career. Brimming with enthusiasm, he had his sights set on gaining a posting for 16 Air Assault Brigade’s specialist Pathfinder Platoon.
Lance Corporal Bateman was a proud and honest Paratrooper, respected for being a gentleman as much as he was for his unbridled energy and professionalism. He was fit and had taken part in amateur boxing at company level. He barely stopped to pause, with unmatched staying power and a work ethic that put most to shame. C (Bruneval) Company was his spiritual home and his return to the company marked a new juncture in his career.
He leaves behind his wife Victoria, whom he adored.
His Company Commander, Major Adam Dawson said:
"LCpl Bateman rejoined the company shortly before the deployment for the HERRICK 8 tour. I am unable to recollect a soldier more happy to be back amongst his friends, at the sharp end and taking on what he considered to be his core business, his profession and a challenge.
"He was elated to be back with 8 Platoon and exemplified everything that is expected of the Junior Non Commissioned Officer on operations – he was energetic, hard working, fit and keen, a source of inspiration and a man with a light heart and a sensitive touch.
"This was the life he had chosen, it was the life he loved and he had aspirations to join his brother at The Special Forces Support Group on completion of the tour. He was the first to volunteer, the last to give up and above all extremely proud to be a Paratrooper, imbued with the Regimental ethos and dedicated to his friends and his soldiers.
"His death leaves an irreplaceable gap in the ranks of Bruneval Company and a hole in the lives of his friends and colleagues who consider themselves blessed to have known him. A loyal husband and a gentleman."
Sergeant Chris Lloyd, his friend and 8 Platoon Sergeant, spoke warmly in remembrance of him:
"Lance Corporal 'Jay' Bateman and I first met in Iraq on Op Telic 7. Jay was a larger than life character with a heart to match it. He absolutely revelled in his work and was the first person to volunteer for a task. He was the true definition of a paratrooper, fit, strong, full of determination and with a fantastic sense of humour.
"I became close friends with him and know that his job was second only to his love for his wife Victoria whom he doted upon. He was a friend as well as a colleague and the Platoon will miss him dearly."
1 Section Commander and close friend Corporal Adam Ireland said:
"I remember Jay arriving at 2 PARA and because of his easy going personality it wasn’t long before we were good friends. As my second in command he was my right hand man and I could always rely on him. He always put the soldiers safety before his own, ensuring kit was working correctly and the blokes were in good fire positions.
"His dedication to ensuring their safety is sadly what cost him his life. 1 Section, 8 Platoon and I will never forget the sacrifice you made for us."
Colleague and friend Corporal Gareth Storey recalled their time together in Afghanistan:
"No matter what problems I had, Jay would always be there to listen and to offer some advice. I will miss his smile and the copious amounts of tea we would have together trying to put the world to rights.
"My thoughts go to his loved ones, family and friends. Jay did the job he loved and will be remembered by all who knew him."
Corporal Paul Knapp remembers his friend:
"Jay was a loveable guy, with the craziest sense of humour you could ever come across. Always willing to help, he had a heart of pure gold. When I first came to 2 PARA Jay was one of the senior soldiers. His physical stature was quite imposing to a young soldier but his gentle personality and his way of communicating made me feel very welcome.
"We became good friends during our tour of Iraq in December 2003 and from there our friendship grew. In 2006 Jay married Victoria and I was proud to be in his guard of honour. He was a great character and a true legend.
"I will miss you fat head, I’m so sorry your time with us was cut short. My thoughts are with Vix and your family. Rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again.”
Private Keith Abraham of 1 Section, 8 Platoon spoken of his admiration for his colleague:
"Jay was the senior Private when I first arrived at 2 PARA. He immediately took me in, explained how things work in Battalion and made sure I was ready for whatever was ahead. He was so proud to be a Paratrooper and epitomised every aspect of what that meant. He would do anything for his men without question and always managed to provide us with morale, whether he meant it or not!
"Jay Bateman was a good friend and the world has lost one of its characters. We’ll miss you Jay.”
Private Billy Innes of 1 Section 8 Platoon said of his colleague and commander:
"I’ve known Jay since I’ve been in Battalion and he is well known throughout 2 PARA. He became my section 2IC for the tour which I was very happy about as he was a great soldier and worked hard for his men. He would always be talking to us on and off the battlefield and always had time for everyone. He was a genuinely great bloke, he will be sorely missed and my heart goes out to his wife and family."
Lance Corporal Bateman's wife, Victoria Bateman, made the following statement:
"I would like to firstly thank everybody for their ongoing support. Secondly, I would like you all to know how immensely proud we are of him and all that he has achieved.
"I know how he loved the Parachute Regiment and I draw comfort from the fact that he died doing the job he loved, for the country he loved, with the friends he loved.
"He was a loving Husband, Brother, Son and Uncle. I would like the lads to carry on the work he was doing.
"I love him and will miss him greatly. He was our hero.
Defence Secretary, Des Browne said:
“It has been an intense and terrible week for those serving in Afghanistan, no more so than for those in 2 PARA. The deaths of Lance Corporal Bateman and Private Doherty will come as a further blow to them all, however they died as they live; excellent soldiers carrying out their duties with professionalism and courage.
"My thoughts are very much with their family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.”
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L/Cpl James Bateman, 2nd Bn the Parachute Regiment
L/Cpl James Bateman, 2nd Bn the Parachute Regiment
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