Michael Lockett

This article is about the British soldier. For Michael Lockett Garrett, see Mike Garrett.
Michael Lockett
Nickname(s) Locky
Born (1980-06-11)11 June 1980
Aldershot, Hampshire
Died 21 September 2009(2009-09-21) (aged 29)
Helmand, Afghanistan
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment
Mercian Regiment
Awards Military Cross

Sergeant Michael Lockett MC (11 June 1980 – 21 September 2009)[1] was a British soldier, killed in action in Afghanistan aged 29. An improvised explosive device which he was investigating exploded injuring Lockett and two other soldiers. Lockett died before he reached hospital. In June 2008 Lockett was presented the Military Cross by Queen Elizabeth II, for his efforts in an attempt to recover the bodies of Pte. Johan Botha and Sgt. Craig Brelsford, as well as successfully rescuing four other injured soldiers. He is the first soldier to die on operations who has been awarded the Military Cross since World War II.

Early life

Lockett studied at Longcroft School in Beverley. He had spent the majority of his career as a machine gunner,[2] when, in 1996, he joined the 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in Tidworth Camp. At this time he held many qualifications, such as the Jungle Warfare Instructor and Military Tracking Instructor.[2][3]

Military Cross

While fighting in Afghanistan in September 2007, Lockett, then a corporal,[4] and the rest of his unit, were commanded to penetrate enemy lines, and ruin their posts.[3] The soldiers dubbed the mission 'Operation Certain Death', but carried it out nonetheless.[4] However, they were ambushed by Taliban troops. The ambush caused the death of Private Johan Botha and Sergeant Craig Brelsford, as well as inflicting injuries on four other soldiers. Michael led the remaining soldiers in an attempt to retrieve the bodies, and rescue the four injured soldiers.[3] For his "leadership, command, control and supreme courage", Lockett was awarded the Military Cross on 7 March 2008, which he later received from Queen Elizabeth II.[3][4][5]

Death

At the time of his death on 21 September 2009, Lockett was working with the Afghan National Army, at Patrol Base Sandford.[6] He had volunteered to stay at the base because new soldiers were due to arrive, and he wanted to ensure they knew as much about the local area as possible.[7] He was investigating an improvised explosive device, when it detonated, killing him, and injuring two nearby soldiers. As well as being the 217th British soldier to die in Afghanistan since October 2001, he is the first soldier who has been awarded the Military Cross to later die there.[8][9][10] Lockett was the first MC recipient to be killed in action in living memory.[11]

Memorial and tribute

Lockett's body was flown back to Britain on 29 September, where hundreds filled the streets to pay tribute to him.[12] Lockett's school friends Kate Atkinson, Rochelle Booth, Kelly Jackson and Rebecca Knowles started up The Lockett Fund, which has raised hundreds of pounds for the charity Help for Heroes.[12]

Personal life

Lockett, known as "Locky" to his comrades,[11] was the father of three. He was in a relationship with Belinda English.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Personal Details: Lockett, Michael". Armed Forces Memorial roll of honour. GOV.UK. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Military Cross hero, Sergeant Michael Lockett, killed in Afghanistan". The Times. London. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Hero Scot killed in Afghanistan was 'most impressive soldier I've ever met', says his commander". Daily Record. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 Hickley, Matthew (23 September 2009). "The Military Cross hero killed by the Taliban after returning to front line". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 58633. p. 3613. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 24 September 2009.
  6. ↑ "Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett MC killed in Afghanistan". Defence News. Ministry of Defence. 22 September 2009.
  7. ↑ Norton-Taylor, Richard (22 September 2009). "Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Has Been Awarded Military Cross". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  8. ↑ "Military Cross Holder Killed In Afghanistan". Sky News. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  9. ↑ "Medal hero Michael Lockett, 29, dies in action in Afghanistan". Daily Mirror. UK. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  10. ↑ "Afghanistan: Hero-sergeant decorated by Queen is killed". AGI News On. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  11. 1 2 "Mike Lockett died for Queen and country". The Scottish Sun. London. 23 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  12. 1 2 "Schoolfriends' tribute fund to Sgt Lockett". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
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