Lance
Corporal Kent of A Squadron 22nd Special Air Service
was known to all as Curly.
On
an operation in support of a Baluchi Rifle Company and a member
of a three man SAS team with local irregulars, Curly was carrying
a GPMG on an advance to contact. Coming under fire Curly opened
up with the GPMG. As happens in these circumstances, the bulk
of the incoming fire was concentrated on Curly firing the GPMG.
Elements of the Baluchi
Rifle Company under the Command of a young Irish Officer should
have been on higher ground to Curly's right. Unfortunately, this
did not occur and Curly was hit and killed by fire from the right.
Of the three man SAS team Curly was killed, a second man was wounded
and the third member carried the wounded man to safety.
After an intensive
fire fight Curly's position was overrun. The enemy stripped Curly's
body of weapons and some clothing. However, the enemy showed respect
for his body by covering it up.
Lance Corporal
Kent's body was later recovered and sent back for burial at Saint
Martin's Church in Hereford.
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