James Grigg

Lance Corporal Scott Hardy and Private James Grigg, both from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian
Regiment, were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 16 March 2010.

They were killed while serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, as a result
of an explosion which occurred in an area approximately 20km north of Musa Qal'ah district centre, Helmand province.

At the time of their deaths Lance Corporal Hardy and Private Grigg were on an operation inserted
deep into Taliban territory, attacking the insurgents where they least expected it.

Private James Grigg developed his first passion in life - the glorious game of cricket - at school. After he left the school he continued to coach their team.

It was only later, once he had passed out of training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, that he developed his twin passion - being a 'Viking'.

Private James Grigg was utterly loyal to The Regiment. He had only been in the Battalion just over a year when he deployed with 'The Vikings' to Afghanistan where he served in A (Norfolk) Company.

Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment said:

"It is a grim day in the Battalion's life when we mourn the loss of two of our fine young men. Private James Grigg was killed whilst taking part in an Operation to rid the Taliban from an area to the North of Musa Qal'ah.

"He was killed by an insurgent laid IED; a cowardly tactic in a campaign which seeks to destroy peace and progress in Afghanistan. James and the other soldiers of A (Norfolk) Company have made huge strides in delivering security in Musa Qal'ah - whilst his death hits us hard, we remain resolute in our determination to complete our mission.

"James came across to most as a quiet man who kept himself to himself, but engage him on the subject of cricket and you would unlock him. He was simply fanatical about the game and a great all-round player.

"When he stepped up to bowl, you just knew he would start taking wickets. It was once suggested to me that I should commission him for a day, to join us in the annual Officers' v Warrant Officers and Sergeants' Mess cricket match.

"But he was passionate about soldiering too; he thought himself lucky to have found a job where he could combine the two things that he loved so much. In turn, we think ourselves lucky to have worked alongside him.

"Friendly, polite and endlessly helpful, he was a real team player that you would want to have on your team. He was reliable - a man you could trust.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with James' parents and sister at this tragic time. His brother 'Vikings' and the Regimental family share their pain. Together we will ensure he will never be forgotten."