A Fife soldier who was shot dead while on patrol with his dog in Afghanistan has received a posthumous honour.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, who was 26 and in the Royal Veterinary Corps, died on March 1. He was given a Mention in Despatches (MiD) as the most successful arms explosive search (AES) dog handler in Afghanistan since operations began in the Operational Honours List published today.
Kirkcaldy-born Liam demonstrated incredible courage working alongside 22-month-old springer spaniel, Theo, and together they made 16 significant finds in just five months, while on the frontline.
L/Cpl Tasker, who became the 358th member of the British Armed Forces to die since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001, was laid to rest on March 22 following a full military funeral in Newport, alongside his beloved Theo, who died of a seizure after his master’s death.
Two other Fife soldiers have also been named in the Operational Honours List which hails actions of bravery carried out by soldiers in action from October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
Warrant officer Class 2 Iain Martin (40), of the Royal Logistic Corp receives a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB) for his work defusing improvised explosive devices (IED) in Afghanistan, while Fife Army officer Major Nick Wight-Boycott (34) of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS), receives the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS).