Lance Corporal James Bateman

James ’Jay’ Bateman grew up in Staines. He joined The Parachute Regiment in 2001 and was posted to 9 Platoon, C Company, 2 PARA in March 2002.

On his promotion to Lance Corporal he was posted to D Company.

During his career he carried out tours of Iraq and Northern Ireland.

Lance Corporal Bateman served on Operation Herrick VIII and was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on 12 June 2008.

Private Jeff Doherty was killed during the same incident.

Major Adam Dawson, his Company Commander made the following statement:

"LCpl Bateman rejoined the company shortly before the deployment for the Herrick 8 tour. I am unable to recollect a soldier more happy to be back amongst his friends, at the sharp end and taking on what he considered to be his core business, his profession and a challenge."

"He was elated to be back with 8 Platoon and exemplified everything that is expected of the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer on operations – he was energetic, hard working, fit and keen, a source of inspiration and a man with a light heart and a sensitive touch."

"This was the life he had chosen, it was the life he loved and he had aspirations to join his brother at The Special Forces Support Group on completion of the tour. He was the first to volunteer, the last to give up and above all extremely proud to be a Paratrooper, imbued with the Regimental ethos and dedicated to his friends and his soldiers."

"His death leaves an irreplaceable gap in the ranks of Bruneval Company and a hole in the lives of his friends and colleagues who consider themselves blessed to have known him. A loyal husband and a gentleman."