Duane Groom

British Lance Corporal Duane Groom, age 32, died on September 14, 2012, in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

Duane was a member of the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Duane was born in Suva City, Fiji.  He joined the British Army in 2007. 

Having completed his combat infantryman's course, he moved to Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards, where he participated in public duties and ceremonial tasks at royal palaces. Two years later he joined 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, training in Kenya before deploying to Afghanistan in September 2009 with The Queen's Company.  He also took part in the Infantry Skiing Championships in early 2011 and attended a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre in January 2012.  Newly-promoted, he deployed to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty in April as a member of the Operations Company for Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North).  

Mary, pray for Duane

Military officials stated that he was an outstanding soldier - tough, keen and unflappable. He was utterly committed to his fellows and the cause. 

Comrades stated that he he always had your back covered in good times and in bad times. 

Friends describe him as a caring and honest man. 

Duane is survived by many loving friends and relatives.

Let us pray that Duane Groom is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.