A former Oundle School pupil was killed in Afghanistan over the summer, becoming the first old Oundelian to die in combat since the Second World War. Captain David Hicks, from 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment, which includes dozens of Peterborough soldiers, died after his patrol came under attack near Sangin in the volatile Helmand Province on Sunday. The 26-year-old was the second British serviceman to die in Afghanistan in as many days. Captain David Hicks passionately believed he was “helping to build a better world”.

Cpt. Hicks joined the army after spending five years as a boarder at Oundle School, leaving Grafton House in 1998. His parents described their son as “a young, professional officer doing a difficult job in extremely challenging circumstances.” In a statement they said: “It was a job he wanted to do, and he was under no illusions about the dangers he faced. He was totally committed, both to his role and his fellow soldiers, and he fervently believed that he was contributing to building a better world.”

Cpt. Hicks’ partner, Nicola Billen, described him as “kind-hearted and fun-loving – a true gentleman”. Senior officers said the captain, from Wokingham, Berkshire, led from the front as he co-ordinated the response to the attack on his company’s patrol base by small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and indirect fire.

Even after being mortally wounded, his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight, refusing morphine so he could lead his men with a clear head. Cpt. Hicks was flown by helicopter to Camp Bastion, where he died. Five other soldiers suffered minor injuries in the attack. Cpt. Hicks’ death brings the total of military personnel fatalities in Afghanistan to 70 since operations began in the country in November 2001. Lt Col Carver said that he was “highly professional, with a genuine concern for his soldiers. He typified the highest standards of leadership, and commanded genuine respect from all who served with him”.