Yubraj Rai

Rifleman Yubraj Rai died on 4 November 2008 after he was shot south of Musa Qaleh in Afghanistan.

He was taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force/Afghan National Security Forces operation.

Rifleman Rai, 28, came from Khotang district in eastern Nepal. He joined the British Army in January 1999, following in the footsteps of his uncle.

On completion of his recruit training, he joined the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Brunei.

The Army says he had been eager to deploy back to Afghanistan following a previous tour, and that his "selfless attitude once again came to the fore when he volunteered to deploy with 5 Platoon" to replace another rifleman who had fallen ill.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, paid tribute when he said: "Yubraj Rai was an extraordinary character and a hard professional soldier with a proven operational record.

"Yubraj was a proud Nepali, a proud soldier and was exceptionally proud of being a Gurkha Rifleman.

"He was brave, strong, hard and noble; he epitomised all that makes the Gurkhas great – the best. I was proud to have known him; he will not be forgotten.

"Having served his time as a driving force in 5 Platoon, he moved to a supporting role in Musa Qala, but it was typical of the man that he volunteered for a place on the operation in Dagyan when another member of his Company fell ill, and a measure of his professionalism that he did it so seamlessly.

"Big, strong and highly experienced, Rfn Yubraj was one of the cornerstones of his Company and he was known throughout the Battalion for his presence, drive and his ability as a soldier.

"Part of a small and tight knit team he understood intuitively what needed to be done, how, when and by whom and would move heaven and earth to ensure he got the support to his friends and comrades whatever the circumstances."

Major Ross Daines, Commander of B Company, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, added: "Rifleman Yubraj died as he lived his life, selflessly and with great humility.

"After deployment to Musa Qala he volunteered to be a member of 5 Platoon, a job that involved frequent patrolling in dangerous areas.

"He chose this role when he could have easily avoided being so close to the action. This willingness to do the hard graft and share danger was his hallmark.

"The death of Rifleman Yubraj is a great sadness and one that will not pass easily. He was a fine man and I miss him already."

Following his basic training, Rifleman Rai was posted to D (Gurkha Reinforcement) Company, the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, where he served with distinction for two and a half years.

His soldiering skills were widely recognised and his career was characterised by a number of successful operational tours including to Iraq on Operation TELIC 1, Sierra Leone, Bosnia and a previous tour in Afghanistan during Operation HERRICK 4.

Rifleman Rai was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed all competition, but his real passion was for football, at which he represented B Company. This enthusiasm for the game extended to his support for Manchester United FC.

He was one of B Coy’s more senior Riflemen. He acted as a mentor for the younger men in the Company, often impressing them with his fitness and stamina.

Most recently he was employed as the Company storeman, where his attention to detail, care to ensure that the men received the correct administrative support, and constant diligence were immensely respected.

Rifleman Rai supported his mother, sister and three brothers as the family’s main earner.

He was working alongside a fellow Gurkha when he received a gunshot wound from enemy fire.

He received medical treatment at the scene but died a short time later from his wounds.

Lance Corporal Gajendra Rai and Lance Corporal Sunil Rai, who both served alongside Rifleman Rai, wrote: "Dear friend Yubraj, you are our best friend, we will never forget you. We used to go everywhere with you. We shared our thoughts no matter how difficult the days were. We are proud to have been your friend, you are the one who inspired us to be brave men like you. You were a really honest, punctual and gentle person. You know that we used to play football, basketball and swim together; you were a really good competitor. We always used to admire your playing style, which was fantastic. We will remember the day that we all spent the whole night talking about our futures, but you broke your promise, you have left us forever. But we are proud of you and what you did for us, your family and for the Queen. Thank you for being our very best friend, w while taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force/Afghan National Security Forces operation.