Captain
Royal Engineers
British Army

He was deployed with the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Capt Holloway died after coming under enemy fire while on operations east of Kabul. Although not officially confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, it is understood Capt Holloway served with 22 SAS and was deployed with a Coalition Joint Special Forces Unit.

Aged 29, he was from Hamsterley, County Durham. His commanding officer described him as "one of the best; a natural leader. His tactical ability commanded wide respect; his judgement was unerring, his enthusiasm was infectious and his standards never dropped. He had a humble self-confidence that instinctively drew people to him. His own brand of selflessness and professionalism marked him out as a soldier, but it was the warmth of his personality that set him out as a popular and effective leader."

Capt Holloway leaves behind his parents, Jaquie and Neil, brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy, along with other family and many friends. The family said, "Our son Richard was an exceptional young man, a perfectionist in everything he did and a loyal brother and friend, who embraced life to the full. He was a dedicated and totally committed member of the Armed Forces, relishing the excitement and challenge but always serious and reflective about his duties and responsibilities to those with whom he served. The sense of adventure he experienced with the Royal Engineers was echoed in his love of travel to faraway places and physical activity including surfing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain-biking and climbing. Wherever the action was, he wanted to be part of it – and that is where our beloved son, of whom we are so very proud, lost his life."

Funeral with full military honours was held on January 23, 2014 at Durham Cathedral. It was a private service but hundreds of people, including veterans, showed their respect by lining the streets of Durham.

*Thanks to Dimitrios Corcodilos for the photos