Matthew Smith

British soldier Lance Corporal Matthew Smith, age 26, died on August 10, 2012, in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. 

He was riding in a vehicle which struck an improvised explosive device. When he attempted to take control of the situation, insurgents shot him from the sidelines. 

Saint Bernadette of
Lourdes, pray for
Matthew.

Matthew was a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles. He was deployed to Afghanistan on April 7, 2012. 

He was born in Hong Kong. He grew up in Aldershot, Surrey.

He joined the military in January of 2003 and joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in September of the same year. 

He was called "Smudge" by many of his friends and family members. 

Family members stated that he was devoted to his family and that he is their hero. 

Military officials describe him as honest and professional and decent, and a fine young man. 

Matthew is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Caroline; his father; 2 sisters; his four children - Lainie, Ella, Tilli and Jai; and his fiancée, Laura. 

Let us pray that Matthew Smith is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.