Soldier dies 3 years after being shot in Afghanistan

A BRITISH soldier has died of his wounds three years after he was badly injured in a firefight in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Michael Campbell – known as ‘Cammy’ – was shot in the hip during a gun battle in April 2012.

He was hit while crossing a road in April 2012, having been confronted by ‘accurate, heavy and sustained enemy fire’.

Despite his injuries, the reservist still provided covering fire so his comrades could cross open ground and reach safety before he was evacuated.

Back in the UK, L/Cpl Campbell’s recovery had appeared to be progressing. He was airlifted to Camp Bastion and then transferred to the UK. After leaving hospital, he passed through Headley Court, the military’s specialist rehabilitation centre for injured servicemen and women, and was on to the next stage of his recovery.

He initially had to use a wheelchair but fought back to walk again. However he needed to return to hospital for frequent operations. He died on Thursday after being admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for what sources said was ‘routine’ surgery.

The 32-year-old, who served with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, was being treated as an operational casualty, meaning his death brings the official British toll from the Afghan campaign to 454.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Webb, his commanding officer in Afghanistan, said: ‘Everyone who served alongside L/Cpl Campbell will be devastated.

‘He fitted seamlessly into his platoon and company. He was an outstanding soldier and very talented junior commander: skilful, determined, measured and very courageous.’

L/Cpl Campbell, from Colwyn Bay, north Wales, joined the Army Reserves in April 2002 and had served on one tour of Iraq and four of Afghanistan. He had also survived an IED blast. He leaves behind a wife, Chrissie, and four children.