Bury St Edmunds Remembers Luke Southgate Killed in Afghanistan

They held a service for Luke Southgate today. He died fifteen years ago in Afghanistan. Luke was a Senior Aircraftman from Bury St Edmunds. An IED struck his vehicle on patrol. This happened at Kandahar Airfield in 2010, February 24.

Luke was almost 21 and in Afghanistan for five weeks. His family and locals came to remember him. They gathered at his memorial garden in St Olaves Precinct on the Howard Estate. People reflected on lives lost in conflict.

The service included a two-minute silence. Town council members laid wreaths. Mayor Diane Hind was there, and RAF Honington veterans too. Luke’s mom, Kate Southgate, spoke about him, saying the community’s support felt nice.

Kate mentioned everyone coming together. She described Luke as funny and modest. He helped others and people admired him. Her son Harry ran 24km to honor Luke; his siblings each have their own way to remember him.

About fifty people attended this morning’s tribute. Luke joined the RAF Regiment as a gunner in 2008. He showed great potential during training at RAF Honington. He then applied for parachute duties.

Luke served with Number II Squadron RAF Regiment after training. He became a skilled specialist with machine guns. His deployment to Afghanistan began in January 2010.

Squadron Leader Gary Butler attended the service. He commanded II Squadron RAF Regiment. Gary was Luke’s flight commander. He says they worked together for about 18 months and started the tour together.

Gary felt it a privilege to pay respects. He called Luke hardworking, capable, and very likable. People saw his future potential.

Nigel Wolstenholme also attended the service. He chairs the Royal British Legion’s Bury St Edmunds branch. He appreciates the turnout and armed forces support. He said Luke’s sacrifice matters as much as any loss.

Nigel emphasized that everyone should be remembered. Also, everyone loved Luke. Nobody had anything negative to say about him.