Pte Gregg Stone was shot and killed on a rescue mission in Helmand Province in June 2012. His mother, Angie Moore, talks about the enormous loss of her son and the impact it has had on her family. She also discusses the importance of remembering all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, not just in World War One and World War Two.
Gregg was a big fan of Mumford & Sons, and his favourite song was Little Lion Man. His sister Jennie had booked tickets for them to see the band in concert when he came home on leave, but unfortunately neither sibling would see the concert. On 3 June 2012, Gregg was shot and killed attempting to free an Afghan policeman who had been kidnapped by Taliban fighters.
As if the loss of Gregg was not enough, the family suffered further heartbreak when Jennie, his sister and a mother-of-one, was killed in a car crash near Bridlington in February 2013. Ms Moore is still struggling with the enormity of the loss and says that some days it still feels like a nightmare. Many things trigger memories of happier times, and the loss has caused rifts within the family.
Ms Moore has a clear message for Remembrance Day – to remember everybody who has lost their life in conflicts, from every country and every side. She urges people not to forget and suggests that we should not let the loss define us.
Ms Moore believes that Afghanistan is being forgotten and that people are not remembering the sacrifice made by so many British servicemen and women. Despite the criticism of sending British troops to Afghanistan, Ms Moore holds the view that her son was doing good and that he knew what he was doing and why he was there. She does not want people to think that Pte Gregg Stone’s life was a waste, nor that of any other soldier who has given their life in service
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