Army dog handler 'was due to leave'

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Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and his dog Sasha were killed in a firefight with the Taliban on Thursday.

His commanding officer, Major Stuart McDonald, said he had been due to leave the base on Wednesday but asked to stay because he was worried about the lack of cover.

Mr Rowe, who was from the Newcastle area, and Sasha, a specialist search dog, were attached to 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.

From their base (FOB Inkerman) in northern Helmand province, they joined patrols searching for enemy weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Major McDonald said: "He was actually scheduled to leave FOB Inkerman on July 23, but was concerned about the lack of Ammunition and Explosives Search cover if he departed and lobbied his unit to allow him to stay.

"This unselfish action epitomised his professionalism and dedication to his job. I feel lucky to have known him and gutted to have said goodbye."

Captain Martyn Thompson from the Military Working Dog Support Unit praised Mr Rowe's "infectious enthusiasm" and sense of humour.

"L/Cpl Rowe was a rising star in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps who had a drive and a passion that set him apart from his peers. His infectious enthusiasm and energy rubbed off on all those around and he tackled everything that was thrown at him with typical Geordie humour. He was a high calibre soldier, a dedicated dog handler and talented sportsman who was destined for great things in the Army."

Six other soldiers were injured in the incident on Thursday evening, one seriously. The other five are returning to work. His death takes to 112 the number of British service personnel who have lost their lives in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001.