It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private James Prosser from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed in Afghanistan, on Sunday 27 September 2009.
Private Prosser died as a result of an explosion that happened during a vehicle patrol in Musa Qaleh district, northern Helmand province.
Private James Prosser
Private James Prosser was born in Cwmbran, on 14 April, 1988 and educated at Llantarnam Comprehensive School before he joined the Army in July 2008. After completing his infantry training at ITC Catterick, Private Prosser joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh in February 2009.
He was posted to A Company and immediately found a home in 2 Platoon. He was a natural Infanteer and relished his job.
Private Prosser was initially employed as a member of a dismounted section before being selected for training as a Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle Driver – a role that he both enjoyed and excelled at – prior to his deployment to Afghanistan in July 2009.
Prosser's confidence and affable manner marked him out as one of the more popular of his peers.
Private Prosser was a keen sportsman, and had been a member of Cwmbran Celtics Football Club and Fairwater Falcons Hockey Club. He also enjoyed the cinema and socialising with friends, of which he was never short.
A Company's build-up training for its deployment to Afghanistan was both rigorous and demanding; especially for such a junior soldier, but Pte Prosser took each fresh test in his stride, always acquitting himself well.
He had a real enthusiasm for soldiering, and had a bright future ahead of him. Private Prosser was killed on 27 September 2009 as a result of an explosion whilst driving his Warrior vehicle in the Musa Qal'eh District of Helmand Province.
His family said:
"James is a wonderful son and brother, I am so proud of the man he grew to be. He is dearly loved and cherished by his family and his many friends."
Statement from James's friends:
"We don't know where to start expressing how much you meant, and how much we will miss you. You always were one of the boys and you always will be.
"The amount of respect we have for you is indescribable, a true friend and a real hero forever. We all shared so many good memories with you and we can't believe you are not going to be with us anymore. Take care and sleep tight mate. Love as always from the boys."
Lieutenant Colonel Didi Wheeler, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh said:
"The loss of Private James Prosser to an IED comes as another devastating blow to the Battalion, but more particularly to 2 Platoon, A Company. Although James only joined the Battalion in February this year, he had come to the fore within the company.
"He had a boundless sense of humour and was a true character in every sense despite his relative young age. This brave Welsh Warrior will be sorely missed by so many of us.
"He enjoyed soldiering and had found his home in A Company amongst so many mates upon whom he had made such an impact in so short a period. At this tragic time our thoughts and prayers turn to his immediate family and close friends."