STEPHEN ROBERT WRIGHTGunner Stephen Robert 'Trigger' Wright, who died on September 4, 2006, when he was hit by a roadside bomb, was highly regarded by his commanders and peers alike.The 20-year-old, serving with 58 (Eyre's) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, was well known for his sense of humour.A valued member of the Battery, Gunner Wright was set to have a bright future ahead of him and showed a strong determination to 'do his bit'.Gunner Wright was born on 14 May, 1986, in Preston, Lancashire and grew up in Leyland.From an early age he had shown a keen interest in joining the British Army. At 16 years of age Gunner Wright joined the cadets for a short time, before enlisting in the Army.He joined 58 (Eyre's) Battery in 2004 before being deployed in Iraq on his first operational tour.Normally based in Sennelager, Germany, Gunner Wright had been selected to attend a promotional course on his return.On September 4, 2006, Gunner Wright was on a routine patrol in support of a Danish reconstruction team when the incident occurred.The explosion hit his vehicle patrol, killing him andfellowgunner Samuela Vanua, as it was returning to base following a routine task training the Iraqi Police.His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Campbell, from Headquarters of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery in Sennelager, Germany, said: "It is with immense sadness that I learned of the death on operational service of Gunner 'Trigger' Wright, in Iraq. Gunner Wright was a valued member of the Regiment who was partway through his tour of duty doing what he wanted in life; serving with his Regiment and his team mates on operations."Gunner 'Trigger' Wright had very much come of age in Iraq where he displayed unwavering loyalty to the Battery, his multiple and his team. To lose such a valued young man under these tragic circumstances has affected all us enormously. We mourn Gunner Wright's passing and will do all we can to support his many friends and family."He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in Germany and within the Battery serving in Iraq."A statement issued by his family said: "Stephen's death has come as a massive shock to his family who are still grieving the death of his mother, Elaine, who died suddenly 10 months ago. Stephen has since made his home, when on leave, with his grandparents Robert and Shirley Wright, of Leyland."Stephen was a quiet, happy, young man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his friends and family. A few weeks ago, he spent time at home with his grandparents on R&R before returning to Iraq . He was looking forward to going back to finish his duties. Stephen loved the Army life. It was all he wanted to do. The whole family is very proud of him."
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