First thing that comes on my screen at work is the butchers bill. We had a lull of activity in 2011 but it seems the insurgency has upped its game in 2012
On the 1st June 2012, a soldier from 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province. He was fataly wounded and, although he recieved treatment very soon after the event, he succumbed to his injuries.
More information as I receive it.
Corporal Michael John Thacker
Corporal Michael John Thacker, 27 years of age, from Coventry, leaves behind his wife, Caroline, 2 year old daughter, Millie, father, David, mother, Alison, and brothers, Mark and Ashley. He served in 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh.
He was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on Friday the 1st of June 2012 after being fatally wounded in a gunfight. He received treatment for his wounds and was evacuated via helicopter but the medics could not save him and he sadly succumbed to his wounds.
His wife said in a statement:
“Michael was the love of my life. He was an amazing husband and father who will always be remembered as a funny, loving and kind man. Everyone who met Mike instantly liked him and through time came to love him.”
His brother, also named Michael and also serving in the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, at the rank of Lance Corporal, said:
“Corporal Michael Thacker is my big brother and the best I could wish for. We were more than brothers, we were best friends and words cannot express how much he will be missed. Michael is one of those people who would help others before helping himself. He will be leaving behind his beautiful daughter, Millie, and his wife Catherine. Michael could light up a dark room, always making people laugh because of his great personality. Devastated can not come close to how we as a family are feeling. He died doing the job that we Thacker brothers love. He is a true hero. Rest in Peace. See you on the real ‘re-org’ bro. You will always be in my thoughts.”
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Webb, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, said:
"Corporal Michael Thacker had all the attributes of a superb Royal Welsh Junior Non Commissioned Officer and he was exactly the man that you would want at your side when life got difficult. He was a soldier’s soldier - a larger than life character, highly competent, fiercely loyal and hugely proud of his family.
"He was incredibly good company and always at the centre of whatever was going on. He had a great sense of humour; banter was his speciality and any time spent with him was time well spent.No-one ever left him without a smile on their face - he simply loved life. He was mischievous, fun, incredibly amiable and with a grin that would brighten the darkest of days.
“Recently promoted, he had a bright future in Fire Support Company ahead of him. He was a professional soldier and a natural leader. People were drawn to him and he recognised the role that he had to play. He knew exactly what was needed to bring out the best in those around him. The veteran of an Iraq tour and two previous tours of Afghanistan, he worked very hard to get himself fit for this one after suffering a serious knee injury. And that was the mark of the man; he didn’t want to let his mates down. He never shirked a challenge or took the easy option and this selfless commitment spread through those around him.”
Major John Matthews, Officer Commanding Fire Support Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh, said:
“I am immensely proud to have known him and I am grateful for the zeal and determination with which he approached soldiering in Fire Support Company. He was a professional and proud Royal Welshman who was fiercely loyal to his men. He was the heart and soul of his team and was always on hand to help when the going got tough. His positive attitude was infectious and his desire to get stuck-in and lead his men was second to none. He had a wicked sense of humour and was never far away when there was banter to be had.”
Major Charlie Carver, Officer Commanding A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, said:
“Corporal Thacker was a true character within the Company Group; full of life and always ready with a cheeky comment. He will be remembered as a highly professional soldier who took enormous pride in his ability as a Fire Support Group Section Commander. He was always to be found at the centre of the action, with his defined sense of humour and his unique outlook on life. Having first met Corporal Thacker when he was a member of the Machine Gun Platoon I have had the pleasure to witness him develop into an outstanding leader whose men liked and respected him in equal measure.”
He is the 416th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
I would also like to share this poem that I think is very poignant. Some of you may well have read it before and I don’t mind telling you that I’ve read this several times and it still brings a lump to my throat.
The Final Inspection
Sergeant Joshua Helterbran
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass.
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?
"The Solider squared his shoulders and said
"No, Lord, I guess I ain’t
Because those of us who carry guns
Can’t always be a saint.
"I’ve had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just to steep,
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, It needn’t be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
"There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You’ve borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell."
excellent that evans, never seen that before nor do i care much for poems but that was very heartly felt, glad u shared it.
A soldier from 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province by small arms fire today (3rd June 2012).
More information as it is received.
Private Gregg Thomas Stone
Private Gregg Thomas Stone, 20 years of age, from Hull, was killed during a daring rescue attempt to save an Afghanistan National Police (ANP) commander on Sunday 3rd June 2012. He leaves behind his wife, Samantha, mother, Angela, father, Robert, and brothers Kallum, Jamie and Graeme, and sister, Rosie and Jennie.
His wife said in a statement:
"Gregg and I were childhood sweethearts and we met at school and he was my soul-mate. He was a brilliant husband and a family man who loved his family. He was always the one to want to make us laugh and he always cheered everyone up.
"He was proud to be a soldier and for what he had achieved in his work.
“He would also want me to mention his dog Benji who he loved to bits.”
His family also said:
"He will always be a true hero in all our hearts! Anyone who was blessed enough to have known him will know how much of a credit to his friends and family he was.
"Words cannot begin to describe this great loss, and we are exceptionally proud of Gregg for everything he was, has, and still is.
“Gregg was the kindest, funniest, friendliest, most popular lad that you could wish to meet. This is the saddest loss of our laughing boy.”
Lieutenant Colonel Zac Stenning, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, said:
"Today we have lost Private Gregg Stone; a committed professional soldier and our brother in arms, who died protecting the lives of others. Fit and determined, Gregg was a happy outgoing soldier who enthused those around him. He was respected and admired by his fellows, as someone who was totally selfless and cared deeply for others.
“He was not only notable for his military skills but also for his singing prowess and his motocross achievements. His colleagues and friends describe him simply and unequivocally as a ‘legend’, such was his outgoing and upbeat nature. His hard working attitude and eagerness to soldier, coupled with his friendliness and compassion, made him the perfect Yorkshire Infantry soldier and we are proud and honoured to have served with him.”
Major Rob Singleton, Officer Commanding, Burma Company, 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, said:
"Private Gregg Stone was an exceptional young soldier. He was a loving family man and always cheerful with a smile on his face. He was utterly professional to his core and an example to other soldiers in the Company.
He stood out as a real team player who always made the time to help others."
He is the 417th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
Requiescat in pace
On Wednesday the 13th of June, 2012, a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed by a grenade and small arms fire in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province. He received first aid but was declared killed in action in the field after succumbing to his wounds.
More information as I get it.
Lance Corporal James Ashworth
Lance Corporal James Ashworth, 23 years of age and from Kettering, leaves behind his mother, Kerryann, father, Duane, sisters, Lauren and Paige, brothers Coran and Karl, and girlfriend, Emily.
He was killed when he was wounded by a grenade blast and small arms fire on Thursday the 13th June 2012. Despite recieving first aid, he died due to his wounds in the field.
His family said in a statement:
"We are devastated by the loss of our son, brother, uncle and boyfriend. He meant the world to everyone and has left an irreplaceable hole in our hearts.
“We ask that we are given time to grieve and we sincerely thank everyone for their condolences.”
Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:
"Lance Corporal Ashworth was an outstanding soldier whose loss has moved us all. A real self-starter, he excelled in everything that he undertook. Fit, strong and brilliant at his job, he set the bar very high. Indeed, such was his calmness under pressure, his charisma, and his selflessness that he made an exemplary junior leader.
"Lance Corporal Ashworth had fitted a great deal into a relatively short time. Having already served with distinction in the Guards’ Parachute Platoon, The Queen’s Company and then most recently in the Battalion’s Reconnaissance Platoon, he was destined to go a long way in the Army.
“Lance Corporal Ashworth’s death leaves a hole in the Battalion ??? we have lost one of our very best soldiers.”
Captain Mike Dobbin, Commander, Recconaisence Platoon, Nijmegen Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:
"Lance Corporal Ashworth was killed while fighting his way through compounds; leading his fire team from the front, whilst trying to protect his men and he showed extraordinary courage to close on a determined enemy. His professionalism under pressure and ability to remain calm in what was a chaotic situation is testament to his character.
“Lance Corporal Ashworth was a pleasure to command and I will sorely miss his calming influence on the battlefield. Softly spoken, he stepped up to every task thrown in his direction. As the section Second in Command in the ISAF/Afghan National Army partnered section, Lance Corporal Ashworth regularly commanded the section while the Section Commander worked with the Afghan Army. This he did with absolute professionalism and an ability that surpassed his rank.”
“I am humbled by what I saw of Lance Corporal Ashworth’s actions and will never forget him.”
He is the 418th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
Edit:
On 16th March 2013, Lance Corporal James Ashworth was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for his actions in Afghanistan, where he shielded his fire team from a grenade blast.
A soldier from 1 Royal Anglian was killed in Afghanistan yesterday (Friday the 15th June 2012) by enemy action.
More information as it comes.
So I’ve got no excuse for not writing this sooner… I feel really bad, not least because he’s from my home city…
Corporal Alex Guy
Corporal Alex Guy, 37, from Norwich, was killed on Friday 15th June 2012 in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand Province. He leaves behind his wife, Emma, mother and father, Aileen and Andrew, and sisters, Rebecca and Martha.
His mother said:
"Alex was born on Friday 13th September 1974 at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital into a military family, as the family was stationed at RAF Coltishall at the time. We went to live in St. Neots in 1979 and Alex went to Bushmead Infant School in 1980.
"He was a happy, friendly child who loved joining in with any activities ? in and out of school. He went to Ernulf Community School (now Academy) in 1986. As a teenager he was in the St. Neots RAF Cadets and loved it.
"He left school in 1991 and eventually decided to join the Army in 1992. The comradeship and discipline and ?sense of family? meant everything to him.
“He was a wonderful and loving son, husband, brother, friend and comrade.”
His wife said:
“Alex was kind. A happy, full-of-life and kind hearted man, with a passion for his work and family.”
His mother-in-law said:
“A gentle, kind-hearted, generous, much-missed son-in-law who was devoted to our daughter.”
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aston, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment “The Vikings”, said:
"A loyal, committed and thoroughly decent man, Corporal Alex Guy was a unique member of the Vikings. His honest, welcoming approach and impressive operational pedigree saw him achieve the ideal balance between good friend, wise mentor and tough commander. In his section he had forged a strong team which he led through the most dangerous of situations with nothing other than courage, selfless commitment and utter professionalism.
"When things got difficult Corporal Guy was exactly the person you would want by your side; he would quietly revel in the responsibility and never you let down. It is these attributes that have defined his career over the last 19 years and will remain in the memory of his fellow Vikings.
Major Bevis Allen, Officer Commanding, D (Cambridgeshire) Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, said:
"Corporal Alex Guy was the epitome of a Viking soldier; professional, dedicated, brave, and dependable, yet also self-effacing, modest and approachable to even the most newly-arrived soldiers. I had the privilege of serving in the same platoon as Corporal Guy on two operational tours a decade ago, where he and I were both crew members in the same armoured vehicle. As such I got to know him very well and it was such a genuine pleasure to return to the Vikings and see his friendly face, dishing out a banter-filled welcome back to the Company.
"I knew that no matter what the odds on the upcoming tour of Afghanistan, I had in him an NCO who could be trusted to tackle the most challenging of tasks, remaining cool under pressure and resolute in the attack, yet compassionate and mindful of his soldiers? welfare.
“Corporal Guy?s tragic loss leaves a huge gap in our team. He was one of the true stalwarts of D (Cambridgeshire) Company. I hope some small comfort can be taken from the fact that he died doing the job he loved, surrounded by his Viking brothers, who held him in such high esteem.”
Corporal David Evans, Lance Corporal Gareth Waghorne, Private Elvis Bell, Drummer Craig Everett, Drummer Stuart Harris, Private Paul Johnson, Private Mark Sellors and Private Bethold Tjhero, members of Corporal Guy’s Fire Support Section, D(Cambridgeshire) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:
"Those who knew Corporal Alex Guy would understand how much his death has been felt by each of us. Alex was a very experienced and highly motivated soldier, and he struck the perfect balance of being our leader, our mentor and our friend. As a leader he held us together through some difficult times, and kept us focussed. He was always willing to share his knowledge with others, especially the newest members of his section. When the team came together shortly before the tour Alex took the time to find out more about everyone he was working with, which we appreciated. Most of all, Alex was supportive, helpful, and someone we could trust.
?Alex will never be forgotten. He always managed to make people laugh with his sense of humour, and he has left behind only happy memories."
He is the 419th member of the British Armed Forces to have been killed in the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them…
On the 1st Jully 2012, 3 British soldiers were killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.
2 soldiers were from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and 1 from the Royal Corps of Signals.
They were attending a shura and as they were leaving the checkpoint that the shura was being held near, a man wearing an Afghanistan National Police uniform open fired on them. All 3 were seriously wounded and despite receiving first aid treatment they died of their wounds.
More information as I receive it.
Bad enough being shot at by Taliban, but when it’s the ANP (or at least someone dressed as ANP) you wonder if that place really deserves our help. I hope for the sake of those soldiers that we lost that we’ve got good reason to be there.
We will remember them all from the start till the end
I take my hat off to you Evans on your stirling work on this saddest of all our topics
Keep it up mate its the least we as a community can do to show our appreciation for our forces abroad
Fuck that shit. It’s bad enough they are shot at by insurgents and Taliban - but losing good men to someone they are working to help? As far as I’m concerned, the ISAF forces are doing the ANA’s and the ANP’s jobs.
Just read the story and came straight on here. 12 hour day at the Coy with 3 hours sleep last night, as if I wasn’t on edge already. Then this story pops up to be the cherry on my crap sundae.
We will bloody well remember them!
Warrant Officer Class 2 Leonard Thomas, Guardsman Craig Roderick, Guardsman Apete Tuisovurua
WO2 Leonard Thomas, 45 years of age, leaves behind his mother, Sylvia, his partner, Rachel (also a member of 37 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) ), and younger brother Tristan.
His family made the following statement:
"Pez was a military man through and through. He thrived in extreme environments, both in the military and in his spare time.
“He was a keen climber and mountaineer and will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to have met him.”
Colonel Alan Richmond, Late Queens Royal Dragoon Guards, Commander, Military Stabilisation Support Group, said:
"Warrant Officer Class 2 ‘Pez’ Thomas was a soldier of great experience, wisdom and dedication.
"A proud member of 37 Signal Regiment (Volunteers), with 15 years of regular military service behind him, ‘Pez’ became interested in the activities of the Military Stabilisation Support Group whilst supporting its training. Yearning for a final military deployment, he volunteered to serve with the Group where his presence, passion and experience helped bind together an eclectic team drawn from all sections of the Armed Forces.
"The toughest jobs are given to most able and ‘Pez’ was deployed to a challenging area of Helmand. There he acted as a Stabilisation Operator; striving to enhance the lives of the people by improving local governance, infrastructure and basic services. It was whilst working tirelessly to build the foundations for a lasting peace that he was so tragically struck down alongside cherished colleagues from the Welsh Guards.
“The Military Stabilisation Support Group mourns the loss of a much valued and respected comrade. For our small tight-knit team in Helmand the grief will be most acute but the loss will undoubtedly strengthen our resolve to get back out and continue his selfless work.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Allison, Royal Logistic Corps, SO1 Transition, Headquarters Task Force Helmand, said:
"Warrant Officer Class 2 Thomas will be remembered by the Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Military Stabilisation Support Group (Afghanistan) as a highly professional, passionate and forthright soldier who was genuinely driven by a desire to make a difference.
"A consummate Warrant Officer he was hardworking, hugely experienced, possessed a keen sense of humour and was rightly proud of his prestigious military career, the majority of which was spent as a member of the Welsh Guards. A measure of the type of man he was is the fact that he had willingly volunteered for one last operational deployment, having spent two and a half years on Full Time Reserve Service working in the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device area within Headquarters Army. On deployment to Afghanistan he then volunteered to be the Military Stabilisation Support Team Operator within Combined Force Burma due to his prior experience as an Infantry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
"Warrant Officer Class 2 Thomas persevered in his pursuit to improve the lives of Afghans living in this area and to help connect them to official government structures.
“The Military Stabilisation Support Group (Afghanistan), his colleagues and friends will miss his wit, healthy cynicism and good company.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dominique Cairns, Commanding Officer, 37 Signal regiment (Volunteers), said:
“Warrant Officer Class 2 Thomas was a dedicated and professional soldier who was a long standing member of the Army in many roles, both as a regular soldier and reservist. He will be remembered for his lively sense of humour and incredible enthusiasm. He took immense pride in passing on his wealth of knowledge to recruits and colleagues alike who will join us all in the deep sadness and sense of loss that we feel. He was an immensely proud and professional soldier who will be sorely missed by all that knew him.”
Guardsman Craig Roderick, 22 years of age, from Cardiff, leaves behind his parents, Mike and Sadie, two sisters, Katie and Lucinda Emily, Step-Brother, Jay, Grandmother, Margaret, and girlfriend, Zoe.
His family made the following statement:
"Words cannot describe how the loss of our precious Craig has affected us all. The vast void left by this tragedy will never be filled.
“Everyone who knew him will miss his big smile and his sense of humour. He was the best son, brother or friend you could have wished for, we were privileged to have known him. He will always be missed and never forgotten.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:
"Guardsman Craig Roderick died doing the job that he loved ??? he had joined the Army expressly to go to Afghanistan and was in his element out here thriving on the austere conditions, the hard physical work and the mental challenge of soldiering. He was an integral and much loved member of a close-knit team. Always keen on his fitness Guardsman Roderick could be relied upon to be at the front of any physical task or endurance event.
"Here in Afghanistan that stood him in excellent stead and he revelled in being able to overcome adversity. Brave, honest and loyal, he was the sort of man anyone would be glad to have in his fire-trench when the going got tough. Cardiff City was an enduring passion, but his Police Advisor Team, was the team he supported most fervently and with unremitting pride.
“Cymru am Byth!”
Major Julian Salusbury, Company Commander, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:
"Soon after arriving in the Battalion, Guardsman Roderick was identified as an excellent young soldier. Fit and energetic, he was a proud guardsman with a bright future. Quite simply, there was never a dull moment with Guardsman Roderick. He threw himself into his life as a soldier and worked and played hard. Generous, friendly and one of the boys, he was always the first to confidently offer me a shot of tequila on a Company night out. He was much liked and will be sorely missed.
"Guardsmen Roderick worked hard throughout Mission Specific Training to learn the skills needed to deploy on an operational tour. He said that he joined the Army so that he could go to Afghanistan - he relished the chance for adventure. He was employed in the demanding Police Advisory role requiring the utmost patience and professionalism - Guardsman Roderick displayed both with aplomb. His honest, straightforward and inclusive nature endeared him to his Afghan partners: he was a key part of the team.
“Guardsman Roderick well understood the inherent risks of being a soldier - his death is keenly felt by his brother guardsmen in Number 2 Company. Guardsman Roderick, without doubt, made a difference to the daily lives of the ordinary Helmandi people and, knowing this, we continue with our mission - we have made a difference and will continue to do so.”
Guardsman Apete Tuisovura, 29 years of age, from Fiji, leaves behind his mother, father, four brothers and 3 sisters.
Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:
"Guardsman Apete Tuisovurua was a gentle and decent man who was defined by his love of sport, his uplifting company and his willingness to go out of his way to help anyone. One of Nature’s true gentlemen, he had a deeply moral outlook on life and enduring principles by which he lived. He was extremely fit and robust but without show or arrogance. Everybody liked him ??? one could not fail to ??? and his infectious smile broke down barriers wherever he went.
"His ambition was to be selected to play for the Battalion’s First XV rugby team, turning up to training regularly though he knew he would struggle to make the cut. He played for the love of the sport and for the friends that he won on the pitch and off it. Guardsman Tuisovurua was an intensely loyal man who was very much part of his team. He leaves a gap in its ranks as he does in that of his Company and of the wider Welsh Guards.
“We hope that God gives them [his family] the strength to endure their grief and the knowledge that Apete died in a just cause doing his duty with pride, honour and skill. We will remember him. Cymru am Byth!”
Major Julian Salusbury, Company Commander, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:
"Guardsman Tuisovurua had only been with 1st Battalion Welsh Guards for a little over a year but had proved himself to be dedicated, loyal and thoroughly decent. In his own words, he joined the Army to be ‘disciplined and truthful to himself’; he was all of this and more.
"[He] was a quiet, hard working and willing guardsman. He enjoyed life as a soldier and made many friends in the Company. A committed rugby player, fit and eager to learn, he was a pleasure to command. It was his selflessness, ready smile and unfailing courtesy that caught the eye - he approached everyone the same and earned wide respect. Guardsman Tuisovurua was keen to progress in the Army - I have no doubt that he had a bright future.
"He looked forward to deployment to Afghanistan in the challenging Police Advisory role. His kind, friendly and relaxed approach ensured an immediate rapport with the Afghan Police. Determined to tackle any task given to him, he had steely determination and was an absolutely reliable and key member of his Police Advisory Team.
“Guardsman Tuisovurua’s death has hit us all hard in Number 2 Company but we are determined to continue to defeat the enemy. Acts like this bring us closer to our Afghan National Security Force brothers. The differences Guardsman Tuisovurua made to security for the ordinary Helmandi people are felt daily.”
It’s been nice not writing in this topic for a while, but the cruel law of averages and reality has once again crept into our thoughts.
On 10th August 2012 a soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan. He was killed due to enemy action whilst on patrol in the Nad-E Ali district of Helmand Province.
More information as I receive it.
Another serviceman, from the Royal Engineers, was also killed today in the Nad-e-Ali district while undertaking construction tasks. More to follow.
Rest In Peace.
Cheers Odell, I didn’t catch that one until I got to work. I’ll put their tributes up here when the information comes out.