THE father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan has thanked his son's comrades who battled to save him.
Private Gregg Stone, 20, was shot dead rescuing an Afghan policeman in the Nahr-e Saraj South district of Helmand Province on June 3 last year.
Today, soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, re-lived the tragic chain of events leading up to the death of Private Stone, from Atwick, near Hornsea.
Private Stone, whose wife Sam gave birth to their daughter Grace earlier this year, was shot in the face and neck.
An inquest in Hull heard the Taliban bullet, thought to have ricocheted off the strap off his helmet, severed an artery.
The inquest heard how Private Stone's comrades were forced to wade across a river to the nearest spot where a helicopter could land to evacuate Private Stone.
Private Lewis Murphy removed his own body armour so he could carry his stricken comrade on his back as he waded through the water.
After Private Murphy – awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for his actions – gave his evidence, Private Stone's father, Bob, said: "I would like to thank him, all the lads, for their actions and their courage."
Private Murphy replied: "Gregg was not just a good soldier. He was a great friend and I am blessed to have known him."
Captain Luke Mason, then a lieutenant, told how he had rounded-up a group of soldiers to investigate reports a man was being held at gunpoint by insurgents.
He was also shot as he organised the evacuation of Private Stone and another soldier left shaken after a round struck the back of his body armour.
At the end of the inquest, Coroner Professor Paul Marks recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
