| Location | Clydebank |
| Age | 24 years |
| Cause of Death | In the Line of Duty |
| Date of Birth | 1982 |
| Date of Death | 04/09/2006 |
| Visitors | 5,416 since 07/09/2006 |
| Creator |
A SCOTTISH soldier killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan was awaiting the birth of his first child this Christmas, it was revealed yesterday.
Craig O'Donnell, 24, from Clydebank, near Glasgow, was killed while on patrol in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Monday. The loss of his life brought the death toll of British soldiers in Afghanistan to 37.
Private O'Donnell's parents, Robert and Lorraine, said their son had dreamed of being a soldier since he was little and had been looking forward to becoming a father.
In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence yesterday, they said: "The family and all of Craig's friends were shocked and saddened to hear of his death during active service.
"He was a wonderful son who lived life to the full, and was an ardent fan of Celtic Football Club and the rock band Queen. He was a happy-go-lucky person who always put others first.
"He was looking forward to moving into married quarters and setting up home with his girlfriend, Jessica, and to the birth of their first child this coming Christmas.
"Craig had the ambition to join the regular army from the age of four, and he talked often about how much he loved serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders which he joined in 2004.
"He is sorely missed by all the family, all of whom were extremely proud of him being a soldier, and he was much looked up to by his younger sister, Claire.
"At this time, words cannot express the depth of our grief, but mixed with our profound sadness there is pride in the knowledge that he died while serving his country. He will be remembered by all that knew him forever."
After joining up, Private O'Donnell served in Bosnia in 2005 and Kenya earlier this year, before deploying to Afghanistan in July. He was serving with B Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
His commanding officer, Lt- Col Simon West, said: "He was a very positive young man, well liked by all his peers and with a very bright future ahead of him. He stood for all the right things in life and was a dedicated and professional Argyll soldier."
Private O'Donnell's death came on the same day as two British soldiers died in Iraq. Yesterday, the father of one of them said his son "died doing what he loved - serving his country".
Stephen Wright, 20,was killed by a roadside bomb when his patrol was ambushed outside Ad Dayr, near Basra. The second soldier had not been named last night.
Gunner Wright, from Leyland, Lancashire, joined the Army Cadets aged 12, signed up at 16 and was sent to Iraq in April, aged 19, a month before his birthday.
His father, Stephen Leigh, 45, said officials from the MoD went to the family home on Monday night.
Mr Leigh said: "There was a knock on the door. They said, 'Stephen Leigh? We have got some bad news.' I said, 'I think I have got an idea what it's going to be.' I knew there had been an attack in Basra.
"They said Stephen had been killed and I started to choke up. I felt like just running away and getting away from it all."
Mr Leigh added: "I'm proud of Stephen. He could have been doing something he didn't like, but he loved the army. I don't want people to think otherwise. He died doing what he loved.
"He just wanted to serve his country.
"I don't want to get into why the army are there, or whether they should be. That is irrelevant to me, but it's hard that he's a victim of this conflict.
"Stephen felt the same - every time I spoke to him he said, 'Dad, it's my job'."
WHERE PEACE FLOWS LIKE A RIVER.
Together We Will Journey
To That Land Up In The Sky
Where The Flame Does Burn Eternal
And The Soul Does Never Die.
Where The Harps Are Gently Playing
As A Host Of Angels Sing
Where The Road Is Paved With Diamonds
And The Golden Bells Do Ring.
Where The Path Is Set Before Us
Shining Brightly As The Sun
We Will See The Face Of Jesus
When Our Final Race Is Run.
Where The Peace Flows Like A River
Winding Through The Streets Of Gold
We Will Dine With Priests And Prophets
When The key To Life, We Hold.
Where The Flame Does Burn Eternal
In That Sacred Promised Land
Where God Holds The Gift Of Freedom
In The Cleft Of His Right Hand.
Where We'll See The Face Of Loved Ones
Long Before Us, Gone Away
What A Day Of Sweet Rejoicing
When We Meet Again Someday.
Where We'll Gather At The River
In Our Home Up In The Sky
Where The Peace Flows Like A Fountain
And The Soul Does Never Die.
Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson
� 2004
TO CRAIGS FAMILY
God Bless you all,
I know you are still hurting, but please remember Craig is still with you all in his little Daughter.
Craig is now resting and will be watching over you all and smiling when he see's how happy his wee girl is.
Craig keep a seat for the rest of the old soldiers, we will all be joining you shortly.
RIP CRAIG
hi im sorry to bother but i was just on lookin @ ur sons page,
did ur son go 2 st columbas high skool??
my love and thoughts are with ur family & friends @ this tym especially ur daughter xx
hey O.D,
just cant believe its gawn past a year already mate.still think of you man,what a laugh and nihtmare you were on the drink.you were 1 of a kind my friend.was reading other messages there and i had a tear in my eye.hope you are happy were you are now and looking over your familey.miss you mate xxx
my hero my friend
hiya slinky
jst too say still u thing about u every day
miss u soo much, cant beleve ur nt gng too be here for christmas agen , all still get u a prezy lol
wish u where here soo wee could all go out n get drunk like the old days, n sooooooo i could talk too u about stuff.
ano i still can bt the advice isnt as gd as it used too bee.
well all spek too u soon luff ya xxoxx miss ya my hero bt ur always gna be my friend first xxox
REMEMBERING YOU
GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY - SO YOUNG AND SO BRAVE - THANK YOU FOR GIVEN YOUR LIFE SO THAT WE MAY LIVE IN PEACE - YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN - WE WILL REMEMBER YOU
Many tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought...
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side
When memory paints in colors true
The happy hours that belonged to you.
Goodmorning Craig have a lovely day my love as always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thinking of Craig's family, a year on... I am so so sorry, and want you to know that you are not forgotten, and that Craig will NEVER be forgotten.
God bless you and be your comfort,
Much love,
Julie
(Soldier's mum)
x x x x x x x
Using the options below you can add this memorial to your personal garden.
| I am Craig's ... | |
| Add to Garden: | |
| Notifications: | Text Message |
There have been 158 candles lit for Craig.
