Killed soldier to be remembered

Capt David Hicks was awarded a posthumous Military Cross

A Berkshire council is to name two rooms in honour of a soldier who died fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Captain David Hicks was fatally wounded during fighting in Helmand province in August 2007 but refused morphine so he could continue to lead his troops.

The 26-year-old from Wokingham was posthumously awarded the Military Cross in March for his actions.

Two committee rooms at Wokingham council's offices in Shute End will be named in his honour on 5 November.

There will be a special dedication ceremony at which Capt Hicks' father will present a photograph of his son.

Mayor of Wokingham councillor Pauline Helliar-Symons will unveil a plaque in the soldier's memory.

Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver

Capt Hicks, of the C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was flown by helicopter for treatment after the attack but later died. Five others were also injured in the incident.

He was described as an "outstanding officer" who always led from the front.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver, said at the time that he would be "sorely missed by all members of the battalion".

During the attack on the base, Capt Hicks had "led from the forward position" in order to direct the battle and "provide an inspiring example to his men", he said.

He added: "Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight.

"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."

Capt Hicks was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in 2002.