Some Gave All

Captain Richard Holloway killed in Afghanistan

28 December 2013

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Richard Holloway, of The Royal Engineers, was killed in action on 23 December 2013. 

 Captain Richard Holloway, Royal Engineers

Captain Holloway died after being engaged by enemy fire whilst on operations east of Kabul.

Captain Holloway, of County Durham, was 29. He leaves behind parents Jaquie and Neil, brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy. The family have paid the following tribute:

Our son Richard was an exceptional young man, a perfectionist in everything he did and a loyal brother and friend, who embraced life to the full. He was a dedicated and totally committed member of the Armed Forces, relishing the excitement and challenge but always serious and reflective about his duties and responsibilities to those with whom he served.

The sense of adventure he experienced with the Royal Engineers was echoed in his love of travel to faraway places and physical activity including surfing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain-biking and climbing. Wherever the action was, he wanted to be part of it – and that is where our beloved son, of whom we are so very proud, lost his life.

Captain Holloway’s Commanding Officer said:

Captain Rich Holloway died as a result of direct enemy fire whilst on operations in Eastern Afghanistan, leading from the front. He was one of the best; a natural leader. His tactical ability commanded wide respect; his judgement was un-erring, his enthusiasm was infectious and his standards never dropped. He had a humble self-confidence that instinctively drew people to him. His own brand of selflessness and professionalism marked him out as a soldier, but it was the warmth of his personality that set him out as a popular and effective leader.

It is hard to track, but at some point in the process Rich established himself not just as a highly respected troop commander, but one of the principal characters within the Unit. In doing a difficult job in Afghanistan, he displayed a rare empathy and cultural understanding that ensured he was highly valued and revered by the Afghans whom he mentored tirelessly, as well as his colleagues. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege to work alongside him, but his memory will never be allowed to fade.

A caring and loving son whose loss cannot be portrayed in words. We have lost a brother, they have lost their world....

Go to MoD site here and spend time getting to know this Fallen Hero.

Rest In Peace, Sir.  Your Service and Sacrifice will always be remembered and honoured...