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Tributes pour in to Earby soldier killed in Afghanistan
TRIBUTES have poured in to an "exceptional soldier" from Pendle who was killed in a gun battle in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft (25), from Earby, who served in the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died in a firefight with insurgents in central Helmand province on Saturday.
L/Cpl Bancroft was due to return from his tour of duty in five weeks. Instead, today, his family and friends have made the solemn journey to Wootton Bassett where his body will be repatriated after landing at RAF Lyneham.
They were being joined by teaching representatives from West Craven High Technology College, Barnoldswick, where L/Cpl Bancroft was a former pupil.
Headteacher Arnold Kuchartschuk said this week's GCSE results celebrations had been subdued by the sad news.
And his devastated family, who live in Kenilworth Drive, Earby, said the death "will leave a huge hole in our lives".
The Ministry of Defence said L/Cpl Bancroft was shot and killed on Saturday as his platoon defended a vital meeting between ISAF forces and village elders in Sayedebad, central Helmand province.
A statement from L/Cpl Bancroft's parents, Tony and Sheila, his brothers Paul and Leighton, his sister, Toni, and girlfriend Lauren O'Hara, said: "We will always remember Jordan loving a challenge, in particular outdoor pursuits.
"He was a keen snow skier and often skied for the regiment. He loved all watersports and took any opportunity to ride a jet ski or drive a speedboat.
"We will miss Jordan so much and it will leave a huge hole in all our lives. You will always be in our hearts."
Friends have left messages of sympathy on Facebook to a "brave hero" who will be sadly missed. His girlfriend Lauren (20), of Barnoldswick, left a heartbroken reply: "I did not want a brave hero - I just wanted my Jordan to come home."
The tragic death has shocked the close-knit community in Earby, where another name will be added to the town's Armed Forces war memorial.
Just two weeks ago, campaigners installed a series of memorial stones around the Sough Park monument, in an emotional ceremony to remember Earby's war dead.
Parish councillor Vera Cocker said: "We did not want to be adding a name to the stones so soon. It's devastating news."
She said the flag at Earby's Parish Rooms had been lowered as a mark of respect. And, at the Bancroft family's request, the Union flags which adorned the park during the memorial parade will stay up until after the funeral.
Chairman of Earby Parish Council Coun. Chris Tennant said he would be writing to express his condolences to the Bancroft family. He said: "While I didn't know Jordan personally, I know this sad news has affected the whole community. But friends and family have all been rallying round."
Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said he was "shocked" by the tragic news. He added: "The nation owes our servicemen and women a huge debt for what they are doing on behalf of our country. My thoughts and prayers are with L/Cpl Bancroft's friends and family at this difficult time."
Jordan had always wanted to be in the Army, said his uncle's mum, Bernice Wickham, and joined the Queen's Lancashire Regiment aged 16, before its amalgamation in 2006.
This was his third tour of duty after he was deployed twice in Iraq. He was sent to Afghanistan in March where he was serving with Anzio Company.
Mrs Wickham said: "We are all totally devastated. Jordan only had five weeks to do, then he was coming home. He was such a super lad who would do anything for anyone."
Lance Corporal Bancroft's comrades in Anzio Company paid tribute to their friend "J", describing him as a "commander of real promise and presence" who was "adored" by all who served alongside him.
Cpl Shaun Walsh, Kingsman Jordan Preston, Kingsman Gary Kenny, Kingsman Daniel Harrison, Kingsman Luke Moore, Kingsman Ashley Harvey, 1 Platoon, Anzio Company, 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said: "We have been good mates with Jordan 'J' for many years. His death is a massive loss to the platoon, his company, the battalion and to his family, friends and girlfriend Lauren.
"He loved to talk about his brothers, his family and his plans for the future with Lauren. J was always there when others were in need. He could bring a smile to anyone's face. He was a natural-born leader who always led from the front. On countless occasions he has helped us through difficult times, especially over the last five months in Afghanistan.
"J was a very adventurous person and was up for any challenge. He was the heart and soul of 1 Platoon, Anzio Company.
"Rest in Peace. You'll never be forgotten, mate."
The MoD described him as the "epitome of a Duke of Lancaster's soldier – diligent, selfless, caring and with a profound sense of duty" and said he had an "absolute dedication to the regiment, to the battalion, to his company and to the men he served with."
Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, commented: "L/Cpl Bancroft died doing the job he loved, while playing his part in improving security for the people of Afghanistan.
"He was one of the biggest characters within the regiment - an exceptional soldier and a very talented Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. He was a true soldier, excelling during his time in Afghanistan - loyal, brave, compassionate and honest.
"He had a natural ability to lead from the front, his men instinctively looked to him for advice and direction. Ever cheerful, his humour was infectious – he possessed an unparalleled ability to work with a smile on his face."
Lt Col Lawrence said L/Cpl Bancroft's career prospects looked extremely promising. He was due to attend his Section Commander's Battle Course on his return from Afghanistan and said his "endless potential" meant he would have "aced" it.
He added: "The Army, his regiment, the battalion and most importantly his mates meant the world to L/Cpl Bancroft - he would do anything for them. But, he held his family and girlfriend above all else – they were his life.
"We mourn the loss of L/Cpl Bancroft and offer our deepest condolences to all of his family and his girlfriend, Lauren, in this dark time – our thoughts are with them. The battalion has lost one of its finest – a true 'Lion of England' and he will never be forgotten."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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