Signaller Sean McCarthy was killed by Taliban extremists in the Oruzgan Province in a road-side bomb attack on Tuesday, 8 July, in the morning.

Sean was only 25 but already a commended veteran.
He had been in Afghanistan for just a month on this tour when he was killed.
A highly respected soldier, Sean had been praised by his commander for courage in a gunfight with Taliban insurgents.

He died bravely doing his duty in a high risk environment. It was a soldier's death.

Born in New Zealand, Sean loved rugby. He had immersed himself in sport during his school days on the Gold Coast. He was described as quick-witted and an individual of integrity and maturity.

He joined the army at 18, soon after leaving school. He was accepted into the exclusive Special Air Services Regiment last year and quickly noticed for staying cool in combat.