Private Jeff Doherty

Private Jeff 'Doc' Doherty was born in Coventry on 10 June 1988. Joining The Parachute Regiment had long been his passion and he passed out with 699 Platoon from the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, joining 2 PARA in March 2006.

His deployment with C (Bruneval) Company to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 8 was his first operational tour. He lived in Southam, Warwickshire, with his father at the family home.

Private Doherty completed the Drill and Duties course for promotion to Lance Corporal in 2007 and given his very strong performance during the early months of the tour he was a firm contender for promotion on return from Afghanistan.

He was an exceptionally fit and strong Paratrooper, proud in his profession and intent on making every moment count. He had boxed at an amateur level for the company at lightweight during inter company boxing where he had displayed his hallmark tenacity, strength, speed and courage.

He had a passion for The Parachute Regiment, living life to the full and always living up to the motto Utrinque Paratus – he was truly ready for anything. Private Doherty was a morale tonic, he touched all he knew with his infectious sense of humour and ability to lift the veil of darkness from any bleak moment.

Early on 12 June 2008, 8 Platoon of C (Bruneval) Company, 2 Battalion The Parachute Regiment was engaged by the Taliban north of their base at FOB Gibraltar in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province.  During the exchange of fire Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty were killed in the face of the enemy amongst their colleagues and friends.

He leaves behind a much-loved younger brother and three sisters.