AARON JAMES McCLURE
TROY
Born: 3rd February 1988, Ipswich.
Died: 23rd August 2007; age: 19; Killed by American ‘friendly fire’ at Kajaki, Northern Helmamnd Province, Afghanistan.
Enlistment Date: March 2006.
Rank: Private.
Regiment: Royal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion, B Company.
Aaron is remembered on the Ipswich memorial and in 2015 a road and square were named after Gary Barnes and Aaron so their memory can live on.
The Mayor of Ipswich Cllr Glen Chisholm (2015) for the unveiling ceremony for Barnes Square and McClure Way with members of the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Anglian regiment with Aarons mother and Gary’s family.
The McClure family on the start of the new housing development with the Mayor of Ipswich Cllr Bill Quinton(2014-15).
Aaron James Mcclure was born in February 1988 at Ipswich hospital, my first born and eldest of 4 sons. Aaron went to Springfield Primary school and we later on moved to Whitehouse area, Aaron and his brothers then went onto Westbourne High School through their teenage years. Aaron took a huge interest in sports, football, running, loved to keep fit and healthy. He joined the cadets, Yarmouth Road, when he was 14 and put all his free time into it, he loved all the aspects of cadets, making some lifelong friends too. By the time Aaron left high school, his mind was made up to join the regular Army, and so he did, in 2006, moved up to Catterick for training.
Aaron Passed Out as a Viking for the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment in October 2006, one of my proudest days, was also this day we were told he would be being deployed to Afghanistan in April 2007. At Ipswich station, 29th march 2007, we said our goodbyes as Aaron left for Pirbright, to join the fight against the Taliban on Operation Herrick 6. Over the course of 3 months, Aaron was involved in many fire fights, clearing out the enemy and getting families back into their villages. Many Blueys flew through the post between us. Aaron was a man of few words so they were always short letters lol.
In July 2007, Aaron was home on 2 weeks R & R , spending time with his brothers, Lewis, Dan and Ryan, friends and family. He spoke of some of his experiences but not much, just his concerns to get back out there. Saying goodbye was the hardest goodbye he hugged me and said “I’ll be alright mum”…… On August 23rd 2007, I got a knock at the door, 2 official army men stood there, I knew, I just knew. Earlier that day, in a little village called Mazdurak, Kajaki Dam area, 7 Platoon came under enemy fire from across a Wadi, 2 US F15 aircrafts were called in to bomb the Taliban position, the wrong co ordinates were given, not even using a full 9 liner, and a 500lb bomb was dropped of friendly position killing Aaron and 2 of his comrades outright, injuring many. Aaron was repatriated from Brize Norton, back to his home town of Ipswich and back to me.
Words from Aaron’s comrades “Pte McClure was already a veteran of over 40 engagements with the enemy..” “Troy was an exceptionally professional and highly motivated soldier….one of the most hardest working and dependable soldiers I have..” Nothing can take away the pain we have endured through losing Aaron, but the pride we have for him is unfathomable. We miss him still, always will. Aaron’s memories and name will live on, the dedication of his name being placed on Ipswich Cenotaph was a proud and honourable moment, to have his name alongside so many brave men and women is very humbling. We will never forget……
One Comment
VIKINGS DOWN
Today an announcement about our troops in Afghanistan
It is with profound sadness the Ministry of Defence said
That three men of the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
In a fire fight north-west of Kajaki, these warriors lie dead
There was Private Aaron James McClure aged19 from Ipswich
Was in March 2007 to Helmand Province that he had come
He was serving as a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company
In Afghanistan Lorraine and Karl they had lost their loving son
Beside Aaron fell Private Robert Graham Foster also aged 19
A rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company he also did serve
His sister Lauran about him says he was always a great brother
Roberts loving family, this heartbreak they did not deserve
Private John Thrumble aged 21 he came from Chelmsford
Was as a machine gunner in the same platoon he had come
He had joined the 1st Battalion of the Anglians in April 2004
His parents Pearl and Stephen now grieve for their loving son
They were part of a fighting patrol to disrupt Taliban activities
Two US F15 aircraft requested to support in the fire-fight came
The US aircraft dropped bombs to engage the enemy positions
Tragically one bomb killed our three, we know each their name
Pearl Thrumble wrote this for her son, it can apply to all three
“Our loving son the soldier, so very proud of you we all are
For you to be joined in the fight to set another world free
To all of us who love you, you will always be our shining star”
Such beautiful words from a fallen soldier’s loving mother
Was a terrible battle accident that took each your young son
Three brave Viking warriors now rest in the hall of Valhalla
Your nations prayers and thanks for what you each have done
Stuart Bailey. 02.03.2018