Hero soldier Liam Tasker’s family presented with Elizabeth Cross

L/Cpl Liam Tasker, with his Military Working Dog Theo

By Kirsty Topping

The family of a soldier killed alongside his dog in Afghanistan has been presented with the Elizabeth Cross.

Princess Anne presented the award to the family of 26-year-old Liam Tasker in a private ceremony at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbury.

Lance Corporal Tasker was killed by Taliban gunfire on March 1.

His dog Theo suffered a seizure shortly afterwards.

Liam’s mother Jane Duffy said:

“It was a great honour to receive the Elizabeth Cross from Princess Anne. It has been a memorable and emotional day, but also a very proud occasion “

The Elizabeth Cross is presented to the families of soldiers killed in action or as a result of terrorist actions. Each bears the name of the recipient

Lance Corporal Tasker was buried in Tayport in Fife. His family were presented with the ashes of 22-month-old Theo.

Together the Royal Army Veterinary Corps soldier and his dog found 14 explosive devices during their five months on the front line in Helmand province.

L Cpl Tasker was the 358th member of the British Armed Forces to die since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Theo was the sixth British military dog killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001

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