Tributes to soldier killed in blast - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Tributes to soldier killed in blast

A British soldier killed by a blast in southern Afghanistan was "a true friend" who will be "dearly missed and never forgotten", his family has said.

Corporal James Oakland, from the Royal Military Police, died while on a foot patrol near Gereshk district centre in Helmand Province on Thursday morning, said the Ministry of Defence.

His parents Steve and Christine, brother Daniel and long-term girlfriend Lauren Bowyer said: "We are immensely proud of James, the person he was and the job that he did."

They added: "He was a true friend, loving son, grandson, brother and boyfriend, who will be dearly missed and never forgotten."

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity