British Forces Casualties In Afghanistan Since 2001
The United Kingdom was one of the first countries which took part in Operation Enduring Freedom to topple the Taliban regime in autumn 2001.
As of 11 November 2012 there has been a total of 438 fatalities of British Forces personnel including MoD civilians. The vast majority of fatalities have taken place since the redeployment of British forces to the Taliban stronghold of Helmand province, as prior to deployment in this area only five men died between April 2002 and early March 2006.
In all, 395 of the fatalities are classed as killed "as a result of hostile action" and 43 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death pending the outcome of an investigation. The Army has seen the heaviest losses, with 351 fatalities as of 11 November 2012. Typically those killed were aged between 20 and 29 and the biggest losses seen in 2009 and 2010. Of those killed, 434 were male and three were female.
For the period 1 January 2006 to 30 September 2012 centrally available records show that:
- 2,040 UK military and civilian personnel were admitted to UK Field Hospitals and categorised as Wounded in Action, including as a result of hostile action.
- 4,162 UK military and civilian personnel were admitted to UK Field Hospitals for disease or non-battle injuries.
- 281 UK personnel were categorised as Very Seriously Injured from all causes excluding disease.
- 293 UK personnel were categorised as Seriously Injured from all causes excluding disease.
- 6,247 UK personnel were aeromedically evacuated from Afghanistan on medical grounds, for whatever reason.
In February 2010, the British death toll in Afghanistan exceeded that of the Falklands War.
Read more about British Forces Casualties In Afghanistan Since 2001: Background, Political Impact
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