Some Gave All: LCpl Jonathan James McKinlay

Lance Corporal Jonathan James McKinlay killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

16 Sep 11

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Jonathan James McKinlay, of B Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan on 14 September 2011.

Lance Corporal Jonathan McKinlay
[Picture: via MOD]


Lance Corporal McKinlay deployed to Afghanistan as a battle casualty replacement in June 2011, having recently qualified as a Bravo Mortar Fire Controller. He was based in Checkpoint Chaabak in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

He was killed by a burst of small arms fire on Wednesday, 14 September 2011, while on patrol with his team and members of the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) in a village near to his checkpoint.

Lance Corporal Jonathan James McKinlay

Born on 7 November 1977 and from Darlington, County Durham, Lance Corporal McKinlay joined the Army in 1996 and racked up a great degree of experience throughout his career, with previous deployments to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He held an impressive array of qualifications on top of this, making him a great asset to his Company and the Battalion.

An outgoing and friendly commander, and very much a 'doer' about his checkpoint, he had time for everyone he met. His nature made him a truly outstanding instructor, producing many excellent recruits while at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. His forthcoming and happy approach will be sorely missed across the Battalion.

Lance Corporal McKinlay leaves behind a loving family - his wife, Lisa, his mother, Valerie, sister, Becca, daughter, Megan, and his stepchildren, Ollie and Piper. The thoughts and prayers of the Battlegroup are very much with them at this painful time.

LCpl McKinlay's wife, Lisa, paid the following tribute:

"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jonathan, affectionately known as 'JJ', also known as 'Commander Meerkat McKinlay'. He was a loving husband, son, brother, son-in-law and father to Megan, Ollie and Piper. He was a true friend to others and a loving husband, a real joker and my one in a million."

LCpl McKinlay's mother, Valerie, paid the following tribute:

"Rebecca and I are devastated, as are the rest of the family. Jonathan was dearly loved by us all and by his many friends around the world."...

Go here now, spend time learning more about this brave fallen hero.

My heart is with all who know and love LCpl McKinlay.

Always remembered and honoured.