Education
Lockett studied at Longcroft School in Beverley.
Lockett studied at Longcroft School in Beverley.
An improvised explosive device which he was investigating exploded injuring Lockett and two other soldiers. Lockett died before he reached hospital. Johan Botha and Sergeant Craig Brelsford, as well as successfully rescuing four other injured soldiers.
He is the first soldier to die on operations who has been awarded the since WW2.
He had spent the majority of his career as a machine gunner, when, in 1996, he joined the 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in Tidworth Camp. At this time he held many qualifications, such as the Jungle Warfare Instructor and Military Tracking Instructor.
While fighting in Afghanistan in September 2007, Lockett, then a corporal, and the rest of his unit, were commanded to penetrate enemy lines, and ruin their posts. The soldiers dubbed the mission "Operation Certain ", but carried it out nonetheless.
However, they were ambushed by Taliban troops.
The ambush caused the death of Private Johan Botha and Sergeant Craig Brelsford, as well as inflicting injuries on four other soldiers. Michael led the remaining soldiers in an attempt to retrieve the bodies, and rescue the four injured soldiers. At the time of his death on 21 September 2009, Lockett was working with the Afghan National Army, at Patrol Base Sandford.
He had volunteered to stay at the base because new soldiers were due to arrive, and he wanted to ensure they knew as much about the local area as possible.
He was investigating an improvised explosive device, when it detonated, killing him, and injuring two nearby soldiers. Lockett was the first Military Cross recipient to be killed in action in living memory.
Lockett"s body was flown back to Britain on 29 September, where hundreds filled the streets to pay tribute to him. There are also plans for a memorial service to take place at Lockett"s old school, on 19 December.