From top left:
Sergeant Nigel Coupe, Corporal Jake Hartley and Private Anthony Frampton.
From bottom left:
Private Christopher Kershaw, Private Daniel Wade and Private Daniel Wilford
Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33 years of age in 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was from Lytham Saint Anne?s, Lancashire.
He leaves behind his wife, Natalie, and two children, Ella and Jasmine.
In a statement, his family said:
“Nigel was a loving grandson, son, husband and daddy who doted on his two little princesses. He dedicated almost 17 years of his life to the Army and we are immensely proud of all that he achieved in his short life. He was loved by everyone and will be sorely missed. Words can?t describe the loss we feel.”
1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment’s CO said:
"Sergeant Nigel Coupe was quite simply an outstanding soldier who epitomised all that a sergeant from The Duke of Lancaster?s Regiment should be.
Professional, courageous and utterly dedicated to his job, he was highly-regarded by all who worked with him. Those who had the pleasure to spend time with him whether in the back of his Warrior, in the mess, or out in the field, were touched by his humour, his kindness and his willingness to help others.
He was committed to assisting the Afghan National Security Forces with transition across Helmand and with defeating the insurgents."
3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment’s CO said:
"Throughout his distinguished career he provided loyal and dedicated service to those he led, whether that be in Kosovo, Iraq or Afghanistan.
Unassuming in nature but with real presence he was fiercely dedicated to his profession as an Armoured Infantryman. This dedication and potential marked him out amongst his peers and few, if any, could match his technical prowess on Armoured Vehicles. It is no surprise that he was one of the handful to be selected to be an Instructor at our prestigious Armoured Training Centre Bovington."
Corporal Jake Hartley, 20 years of age in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was from Dewsbury, west Yorkshire. Corporal Hartley showed real potential in the Army, and had already been promoted ahead of his years. He was described as being very popular in the platoon, and that he would always be remembered as the life and soul of the party. He leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Nathelie and Mark, and his brother, Ethan.
In a statement, his family said:
“We are devastated at the loss of our son and best friend. Jake was always in the limelight and a larger than life character. He loved Army life and was very determined to do well and achieve his goals. He was kind and generous, a heart of gold with a wicked sense of humour. Above all, he loved his family and friends.”
3rd Battalion’s CO said:
"Corporal Jake Hartley was the ultimate infantry soldier and naturally stood out from his peers. Fit, motivated, yet always understated, he was one of the best. His rise through the ranks had been swift and rightly so; he was a natural leader as exemplified by his top position on the gruelling Infantry Section Commanders Battle Course.
Corporal Hartley was immensely popular with officers and soldiers alike. He was a future star; Regimental Sergeant Major material for sure. We have lost today a selfless, dedicated leader."
Corporal Hartley also won several Army Cup medals in the football and rugby leagues.
Private Anthony Frampton, 20 years of age in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Margret and Martin, father, Gary, and sisters, Gemma and Nicola.
In a statement, his famnily said:
"Anton was the life and soul of every party, and always lived life to the full. He had a great sense of humour and always made everybody laugh with his crazy dancing and karaoke singing.
He was a fantastic soldier, winning the Soldiers? Soldier Award in training, and loved being in the Army. We are so proud of him and all that he achieved. He will be missed by all his family and friends and will never be forgotten."
3rd Battalion’s CO said:
“Private Anthony Frampton was a unique young man. Fit, carefree, and always the life and soul of his Platoon, he was a true legend amongst his peers. A thoroughly likeable young man, he could motivate and encourage the entire Battalion with his cheekiness and smile. But behind this cheeky nature lay a truly dedicated infantry soldier, who was committed and brave. This family Battalion has today lost one of its central characters.”
He was described as a platoon legend who could be relied upon to uplift morale when times looked bleak. He was also a rising star in his platoon, having passed the Javelin weapons course and being a skilled and was described as reliable and without equal amongst his peers as a Warrior gunner.
Private Christopher Kershaw, 19 years of age in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, hailed from Bradford. He leaves behind his parents, Brian and Monica, sister, Sarah, and his partner, Sharon Wood.
Miss Wood said:
“Chris was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved. He was a loving son, a great mate and someone who you could trust to be there for you.”
His mother said:
“Chris - our hero. He loved anything to do with the Army from the age of 5 years old. He lived the dream until the end. God bless, Chris, love you loads, Mum.”
3rd Battalion’s CO said:
“Private Christopher Kershaw was a fiercely fit young man who thrived on soldiering. His natural love of the outdoors shone through in his personal and professional life. Given this passion and his continuous desire to educate himself, he already stood out amongst his peers as a Corporal of the future. We have lost today a true Yorkshire Warrior.”
He aspired to become a JNCO and a section commander as soon as possible and always went the extra mile to help out his fellow soldiers. He was described as a superb Warrior driver and all round quality soldier. He quickly settled in as the “good lad” who always vollunteered to help others.
Private Daniel Wade, 20 years of age in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, from Warrington leaves behind his mother, Lisa, sister, Stacey, fianc?e, Emma and unborn baby Lexie.
In a statement, his family said:
“On behalf of all our family, we would like to say Daniel was a loving son, fianc?, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend to many. He would have made a fantastic father to his baby girl Lexie who is due on June 12. We are all devastated to have lost such a wonderful caring, brave man. Daniel will always remain our hero, he lived for the Army doing the job he loved so much and it is a testament to Daniel that he lost his life whilst helping rebuild a country torn apart by war.”
3rd Battalion’s CO said:
"Private Daniel Wade was a new young soldier in this family Battalion. A Cheshire lad in a Yorkshire regiment, Dan arrived keen and energetic and in only a very short period of time had made a real mark within Corunna Company.
Quiet and unassuming, he was very committed in all that he did. It is to his credit that he completed his Warrior Driver course so successfully early in his career. His passion for motocross and Superbikes marked him out as a man who loved speed. We have lost today a young man who had so much to give in his life, both as a son, brother and as a soldier."
He was described as having the essential attitude, commitment, demaneur, and personality to excell as a brilliant soldier. He often talked about not being able to wait until the end of the tour so he could see his Lexie. He was a fearless soldier who was always up for the job.
Private Daniel Wilford, 21 years of age in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, from Huddersfield, leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Diane and Paul, and his brother, Alex.
His family gave this statement:
“Daniel was a kind and loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin who was always full of energy. He never rested and was always out and about living life to the full having fun. He will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.”
3rd Battalion’s CO said:
“Private Daniel Wilford was the archetypal Yorkshire infantry soldier; quiet, unassuming but with bags of character. He was unique, happy go lucky and confident, his smile could light up a room. A thoroughly honest and dedicated infantryman, his friends and colleagues trusted and respected him.”
He was described as being able to keep his cool better than some vehicle commanders and his skill as a Warrior gunner served him well both in and out of the turret. He had proven himself as an extremely competant soldier and was being considered as a potential JNCO “probably against his wishes” Major Edward Colver, Officer Commanding Corunna Company, said. He was always smiling and could remain upbeat in even the harshest of conditions. Nicknamed “Wilf the Man” by some of his friends, he was said to be someone who could get a laugh going and that he had nothing but time for everyone.
Brave men one and all.
We will remember them…
