Canadian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Monday, May 24, 2010

Written by: Mitch Potter
Published by: Washington Bureau
Posted by: Jayanta Saha


KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN— The quickening pace of Canadian casualties in Afghanistan claimed another Ontario soldier Monday when a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed by a roadside bomb during a resupply mission near Kandahar City Monday.

Trooper Larry Rudd, 26, of Brantford, Ont., died when an improvised explosive device erupted during a midday resupply patrol near the village of Salavat, in the restive Panjwayi district 20 kms southwest of the provincial capital.

Resupply patrols deliver supplies and equipment that are essential for Canadian soldiers deployed in and amongst the civilian population of Kandahar.

Rudd was the eighth Canadian fatality of 2010 and the fourth this month, bringing the overall death toll of Canadian Forces soldiers to 146 since the mission began in 2002. His death comes as the U.S.-led NATO effort in southern Afghanistan enters what is expected to be a decisive bid to wrest control from insurgents.

Trooper Rudd will be remembered by those who served alongside him as a professional soldier who would never complain, regardless of the hardships he and his crew endured, said Col. Simon Hetherington, deputy commander of Task Force Kandahar.

All four Canadian casualties in May were also Ontario-born; each died as a result of a sudden explosion, as IEDs continue to be the weapon of choice for insurgents.

Military officials imposed a blackout on Rudd’s death pending notification of relatives. When the communications lockdown was lifted, Canadian Forces at Kandahar Airfield issued a statement offering condolences, together with biographical anecdotes culled from fellow soldiers that offered a glimpse of Rudd’s character.

Col. Hetherington described Rudd as dynamic and motivated; generous and outing. He was the type of man that soldiers of all ranks would look to for friendship.

Larry was a ‘go-to’ soldier who always put the needs of his family, friends and fellow soldiers before his own, he said.

“He was big, strong and fit, the Canadian commander continued, and despite his intimidating size, he was considered the Gentle Giant within his squadron. Larry was mature well beyond his rank and experience and demonstrated enormous potential within the Armoured Corps and certainly within his regiment.

“On behalf of all members of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, I offer our sincere condolences to the family and the many friends of our fallen comrade,” Hetherington said.

Citation: Potter, Mitch (2010, 24 May). Canadian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/afghanmission/casualties/article/813658--canadian-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan?bn=1