A former British soldier has been “shot and killed” while fighting Russian forces in the city of Severodonetsk, his family has confirmed.
Jordan Gatley left the British Army in March in order to join the fight against Russia’s invasion.
In a Facebook post, his father wrote that he had been informed of his son’s death on June 10.
In the touching posft, Dean Gatley said his son’s team “loved” Jordan and that he’d had a “massive difference” on people’s lives during his time fighting in Ukraine.
The post said: “Yesterday (10/06/22) we received the devastating news that our son, Jordan, has been shot and killed in the city of Severodonetsk, Ukraine. Jordan left the British Army in March this year to continue his career as a soldier in other areas.
“The war against Europe had begun so, after carful consideration, he went to the Ukraine to help. We have had several messages from his team out there telling us of his wealth of knowledge, his skills as a soldier and his love of his job.
“His team say they all loved him, as did we, and he made a massive difference to many peoples lives, not only soldiering, but also by training the Ukrainian forces.
“Jordan and his team were so proud of the work they were doing and he often told me that the missions they were going on were dangerous, but necessary.
“He loved his job and we are so proud of him. He truly was a hero and will forever be in our hearts.”
An FCDO spokesperson told the Standard: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Ukraine.”
Jordan is the second UK national to have been killed fighting in Ukraine.
Scott Sibley, 36, died in April and had also previously been in the British Armed Forces.
Will Murray, who was in the 3rd Battalion The Rifles with Jordan, said he had been “surprised” when he heard he had gone to Ukraine.
He told Sky News: “Jordan was a really good lad. He took his job very seriously and was very professional.”
Another former colleague from the regiment, Billyjoe Powers, told Sky News: “When I got into the army, Gatley was already there as a Lance Corporal. He always put you first, he was a top lad. In the field he was perfect, always looking out for others. Top lad.
“He always had a smile on his face.”
