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GUARDSMAN Downes soon after his arrival in Afghanistan.
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Midd tech lad killed in action
Dan Thompson14/ 6/2007
A FORMER Middleton schoolboy has become one of the youngest soldiers to die since the war on terror began in Afghanistan.
Guardsman Neil "Tony" Downes, aged 20, from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed after a landmine exploded under his vehicle while he was on patrol with the Afghan National Army in Helmand Province on Saturday morning.
He had been on an operation to widen and deepen irrigation ditches.
Guardsman Downes is the 60th member of the armed forces to die in Afghanistan since military action began in November 2001. He is among the four youngest to lose their lives during that time.
His heartbroken mother, Sheryl Downes, said the former Middleton Technology School student wrote a letter to his parents before he left for the war zone 12 weeks ago, to be opened only if he died.
In the letter Guardsman Downes wrote: "Please do not be mad at what has happened. I did what I had to do and serving the British Army was it.
"Again, don't be sad. Celebrate my life because I love you and I will see you all again."
Mrs Downes, from Droylsden, said she and her husband Ronnie were proud of their son, who has "died a hero" serving his country.
"All Tony ever wanted to do was to be in the Army. It was his life," she said. "We are very proud that he served as a soldier. We wouldn't have stood in his way.
"I just want everyone to know that we think our son died a hero, because he was."
Guardsman Downes joined the Army in 2004 after a brief spell fitting car alarms in a modern apprenticeship.
He left Middleton Technology School in 2003 with 16 GCSEs. Teachers and school friends have been paying tribute to the "bright and friendly" student.
Headteacher Allison Crompton said: "The school is greatly saddened to hear of the death of Tony Downes in Afghanistan.
"He was a bright and happy student and will be remembered fondly by many members of staff at the school.
"We are in close contact with the family and will support them in any way we can at this difficult time."
Fellow pupil Michelle Ryan said: "Tony was a fantastic friend, always happy and upbeat. He will be sadly missed by all his friends at Middleton Technology School. He did not deserve to be taken away."
Rachael Skinner wrote a moving eulogy to Guardsman Downes, one of her best friends at school: "Tony, going miss you mate. You were such a bright and friendly lad, I never saw you without a smile.
"Can't believe you're gone. Just glad you died doing what you always wanted to do. You rest now, you have done your job and I respect you for it. Missing you already."
Guardsman Downes leaves behind a brother Nathan, two sisters Katie and Jodie, a step-brother Mark, a step-sister Tracy and his girlfriend, Jane.
CLICK on the video link below for Channel M's report ...
CLICK here to leave your tributes to Tony Downes
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14/06/2007 at 15:40
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