Birkenhead family mourn soldier son killed in Africa

Dec 10 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Birkenhead soldier who was killed in Africa last week.

Terik Lines, 27, died in a road accident in Nanyuki, Kenya, in the early hours of Thursday.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is continuing.

A former student at Rock Ferry High and Birkenhead Sixth Form College, Lance Corporal Lines served in the 28 Engineer Regiment, serving in Germany, Iraq and Belize before going to Africa.

The regiment is based in Germany but is currently providing support to Army training exercises in Kenya.

Lance Corporal Lines is survived by his parents and four brothers and sisters.

In a statement his family said: “Terik was a proud soldier who enjoyed his time in the Army and tragically died doing a job he loved.

“He will be dearly missed by his mum, dad, brothers, sisters, grandparents and the rest of his family and friends.

“We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support.”

After leaving school, Terik – a keen Everton supporter – worked at McDonald’s and the Octel Social Club in Bromborough before signing up for the Army just before his 21st birthday.

His mum Lesley said: “We’ve still got a photo of him from when he was about eight and the Pyramids opened – they were handing out massive balloons and he came home with one that must have been three times bigger than him!

“When he was growing up he was a little divil who loved to torment people. He was always getting told off – I used to say ‘I’m going to send you into the Army and they’ll sort you out’!

“One day he came home and said to myself and his dad that he was going to join the Army.

“At first we thought he was joking but it was the making of him and he absolutely loved it.”

Details of his funeral – which will be a military service – are still being finalised.