Kiwi soldier had been 'a rising star'

Private John 'Jack' Howard. Photo / Supplied

Tributes to Private John "Jack" Howard, the New Zealander who died while fighting for the British Army in Afghanistan, reveal a brave man known to his British mates as "Kiwi".

Private Howard, 23, died in what is suspected to be a "friendly-fire" incident at the weekend, becoming the fifth New Zealand-born soldier to die in Afghanistan.

He was killed while patrolling with the 3rd Battalion of the British Parachute Regiment in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province.

The British military are investigating the death, but initial reports indicate that he could have been killed by a United States aircraft, which had been requested for an airstrike by British Forces on the ground.

The British Defence Ministry has released numerous tributes from Pte Howard's colleagues.

Lance Corporal Aaron Carr, a member of the same regiment, said Pte Howard was one of his closest friends and would be greatly missed.

"...He gave himself the nickname `Kiwi' and even had a badge made, so the blokes called him everything else but `Kiwi' to his annoyance. He took the banter in typically good form and was always quick to laugh," he said.

Lieutenant Colonel James Coates, a commanding officer in Pte Howard's regiment, described him as the "archetypal paratrooper" who rose to every challenge.

"Where others might have chosen the easy option in life, Jack lived his dreams in full knowledge of the risks involved. He was a brave and utterly dependable man and a good friend to all. The regiment has lost a rising star."

Pte Howard's contribution to change in Afghanistan would be his "lasting legacy", he said.

Amongst other tributes Major Matthew Cansdale, said Pte Howard was a man whose "motivation and drive made him stand out from those around him".

"He travelled half way around the world to become a paratrooper and he revelled in the challenges he found and in the friendships he made in the regiment.

"Never prepared to accept less than the best and always striving for the next challenge, Private Howard was the consummate paratrooper and others looked up to him for motivation, guidance and for fun, as he was known for his quick witted humour. An emperor among emperors."

He said although Pte Howard was a committed British soldier, he also remained a "proud Kiwi".

Captain Christopher Tilley described Pte Howard as "courageous, indefatigable but most of all, friendly and easy going".

"Characteristically Jack Howard sought out the most demanding of roles and had thrived in the independent nature of this unit...Quick, bright and intuitive, he was the consummate reconnaissance soldier..."

Captain Frank Reeves spoke of the last hours of Pte Howard's life.

"Jack died a warrior despite the tragic circumstances. As an excellent shot he was employed as a sharpshooter ...his platoon had already fought and overcome two enemy positions that day in which Jack played a central and vital part - we were poised to attack our third.

"Jack was part of the section that would lead the assault - an essential part of the team, he died doing something that he both loved and had a talent for."

Britain's Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said Pte Howard was "an immensely well liked soldier and an exceptionally gifted paratrooper".

"That he chose to leave his native New Zealand to join the British Army to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy across the world speaks to his drive and determination.

"He will clearly be sorely missed by all those who knew him and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time," he said.

- NZPA