No worries mate, I admire the effort you put into making sure these men are remembered as they should be. I’ll keep checking for other info as and when it’s released.
Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman
Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman, 36 years of age, from Guildford, leaves behind his father, Paul, and sisters, Anna and Olivia.
His father made the following statement on behalf of his family:
"We have lost a fine young man. It was readily apparent that Andrew gave himself fully and wholeheartedly to his career in 3 Rifles.
"At a Battalion Dinner shortly before Op Herrick 16, I was proud to see his easy, close and well accepted rapport with his fellow young officers.
He was killed after an IED struck the lead vehicle in a patrol he was commanding. He moved forwards to take control of the situation the patrol came under small arms fire from insurgents and he was shot in the ensuing fire fight. Despite his soldiers admistering first aid, the emergency medical response team and the staff at Camp Bastion’s hospital, he could not be saved.
“Andrew was accomplished in many areas. He developed a skill to play both the trombone and piano, graduated with a Masters Degree in Engineering, qualified as a Mountain Leader, enjoyed working as team yacht racing and was proficient on skis. His family are immensely proud of him and will carry him very dearly in their hearts.”
Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Maconochie, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, said:
"Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman will be remembered by all Officers and Riflemen of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles as an outstanding leader of men who epitomised what it means to be a Rifleman. Professional excellence, self-discipline, integrity and loyalty are characteristics that immediately spring to mind when I think about Andrew. He was always extremely personable, charming, and very charismatic with an ever present sharp sense of humour and wit. We are all the richer for having had the privilege and honour to have served alongside such a talented and popular young Officer.
"His Riflemen clearly adored and utterly respected Andrew not least as he always led from the front, was fiercely fit and set the highest possible personal example. And he did all this in the most challenging of combat environments here in Helmand Province. It was clear he put his Riflemen first and he directed all his energy into developing and making them even more effective. I also admired the way he would passionately fight their corner, no matter what the issue.
“Andrew Chesterman will be remembered as a hugely charismatic, completely dedicated and thoroughly professional Officer who was destined for a great career in the Army. Of that I have no doubt. He will be greatly missed by his brother officers and Riflemen alike and his sacrifice never forgotten.”
Major Bob Hobbs, Officer Commanding C Company, 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, said:
"Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman was a natural infantry officer and leader of men. I feel that he was part of our lives in C Company for much longer than the 15 months he served alongside us; such was his positive impact on us all. He was an officer of considerable talent, drive, energy and commitment who strove to do the best for his Riflemen no matter the situation. He was a thoughtful and intelligent man who dedicated time and academic rigour to understanding the challenges that we faced and he always saw a solution to them. He always led from the front ??? he was ruthlessly fit and I have many memories of seeing him quickly disappear over the brow of a hill at the front of the pack while I still laboured up the climb. He was a pleasure to be around and a thoroughly decent man.
"During this summer, Andrew was selected to fulfil one of the most demanding of tasks in serving as a Police Advisory Team commander and he set about this task with the vigour and tenacity I had come to expect but never tired of being impressed by. He saw through the obstacles that would deter a lesser man and dedicated himself and his team to the betterment of the Afghan Police; they have lost a brother in arms as well. He was right to pride himself on the level of professionalism he asked of his Riflemen, underwritten by the highest personal standards that he set and exceeded himself. This legacy will endure with them, and us all, beyond his service and sacrifice.
He is the 423rd British casualty in the Afghanistan conflict so far.
We will remember them.
Lance Corporal Matthew “Smudge” Smith
Lance Corporal Matthew Smith, 26 years of age, from Aldershot (born in Hong Kong), leaves behind his mother, Caroline, father, Kenneth, fianc?e, Laura, brother Bradley, and four children, Lannie, Ella, Tilli and Jai, who are aged between 1 and 7 years.
He was killed as a result of enemy action. He was helping to construct a checkpoint near a river when he was engaged and shot by insurgents. Despite the first aid he received and the attention of a medical helicopter crew, he sadly died of his wounds.
His mother said in a statement:
“A loving father to four beautiful children, who will be dearly missed by his fianc?e, mother, father, family and friends. Our Hero RIP.”
Lieutenant Colonel John Ridge, Commanding Officer, 26 Engineer Regiment, said:
"Lance Corporal Smith embodied everything that is great about the Corps of Royal Engineers. He was incredibly hard working, completely selfless and utterly professional. Killed whilst building a vital checkpoint on the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal, he died at the centre of the task, leading, as always, from the front.
"I last saw Lance Corporal Smith a few weeks ago. He briefed me on what his team were up to, and on the tasks that they had still to do before the end of the tour. He was clearly loving the job, and the experience of leading on operations. After four months of hard physical work, I expected to find his soldiers tired and looking forward to getting home. Instead, they were in high spirits and focussed on what jobs were coming up next. There could be no better proof of his outstanding leadership.
"Lance Corporal Smith joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in 2003, and he was posted to 26 Engineer Regiment in January 2010. Tremendously proud to be a sapper, he reportedly woke his tent mates to a recording or rendition of “Hurrah for the CRE”, the Corps song, most mornings.
"We have all been terribly shocked by his death, particularly his mates from 6 Troop. They are a tight knit team, and he was a key player, whether making the early morning brews, or raising a smile when the endless building of patrol base walls finally started eating into morale.
“After Lance Corporal Smith had been shot, and his section had evacuated him to medical assistance, they went straight back to site and finished the job that he had started. After being informed of his death, they prepared to build the next checkpoint. Not through a lack of feeling, but because this is exactly what he would have wanted them to do.”
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aston MC, Commanding Officer, Transition Support Unit Nad-e Ali, said:
"Lance Corporal Smith was a standout character: engaging, charismatic, full of life and above all else a proud Sapper and committed family man. In the Nad-e Ali Transition Support Unit of nearly 1350 soldiers he was a shining light to all who knew him. Within his troop he was always the first to offer an opinion and would do so with a charming confidence that made him instantly likeable. An all round decent man, you could not help but be engaged by his banter, intellect and work ethic. It was evident that he was a huge presence amongst his friends who admired his self-belief, great sense of humour and humble approach.
“In the short period I knew him, I was struck by his energy and love of soldiering which was only surpassed by the love he held for his fianc?e and children whom he often talked about. A character like Lance Corporal Smith is impossible to replace ? he was one of a kind.”
He is the 424th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
Updated Matthew Smith’s tribute. The MOD finally released the story.
My Aunt was killed in Iraq in 2006 first female British soldier to be killed out there, Seeing this thread brings a tear to my eye’s fr all tho service men and women who have given there life’s, Thank you guys for your service to us and our country. She was SSG Sharon Elliot
And thank you guys for showing your decency not many units do this.
I’m sorry to hear that Howard. We all remember the sacrifice and effort made by those brave men, but we must also never forget the equally brave women who also give so much.
My deepest sympathy and support goes to the bereaved and colleagues of these brave warriors who gave their lives and the thousands of wounded who suffer every day with the scars of war.
Forever remembered never forgotten.
There is a beautiful poem about lost danish soldiers but this goes for every fallen serviceman and women, we fight together and die together.
I tried to translate:
The sound of wings beats the air in pieces again Valkyries back.
Brave and proud never with weak eyes they show the proud Danes that remains.
Brother lost friend lost, but his eyes are firm, the glory of battle must not be taken from those who go to Valhalla.
Rest in peace
On Friday 17th August 2012, a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province due to enemy action.
More information as I receive it.
fucked up..RIP
Guardsman Jamie Shadrake
Guardsman Jamie Shadrake, 20 years of age, from Wrexham, Wales, leaves behind his parents, Cathryn and Philip, brothers, Carl, Kieran and Shane, and sister, Kerry-Anne.
He was manning a checkpoint when it came under attack from insurgents and he died of wounds, despite first aid being administered.
His family made the following statement:
"Jamie was a tremendous son and brother. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job that he loved. We are all devastated by the loss of Jamie who was such a loving son and brother.
"We are very proud of the fact that Jamie was prepared to do his duty in helping the people of Afghanistan.
“Jamie lit up any room with his infectious smile. He will be sorely missed by so many who loved him.”
Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, said:
"Guardsman Shadrake was an extraordinary young man. Bright, committed and imbued with boundless energy, his enthusiasm and lust for life were infectious. He was a talented soldier with a huge amount to offer and would have gone a long way in the Army. Indeed, he was determined to do so, not least in order to impress his elder brother who is a Platoon Sergeant in the Battalion.
“He will never be forgotten and we are determined to finish the mission that he so courageously helped to start.”
Captain Mike Dobbin, platoon commander of the Elite Reconnaissance Platoon (Jamie Shadrake’s platoon), said:
"Having celebrated his 20th birthday days before [14th August 1992], Guardsman Shadrake was among the youngest in the Platoon. Full of energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humour, he was a key ingredient in this tight knit unit. Having spent his operational tour conducting many dangerous missions, he had risen to every challenge with his usual bright spirit.
“Losing both a soldier with so much potential and a man with such a personality has left a gaping hole in the platoon.”
He is the 425th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
Gorffwys Mewn Heddwch.
Hell, another good one gone.
You guys, keep up the fire over there! You’re all in our hearts.
Dutch citizen,
Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker (26)(dutch) , Private Richard Harris (21) and Corporal Luke Tamatea (31).
The group were travelling in the last vehicle in a convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device in Bamiyan about 9.20pm local time.
RIP
I know a friend from the Netherlands. Dutch Para, don’t remember his unit though.
Someone send me a message should anyone by the name of “Bas” show up.
Again, it’s been nice not to write in this thread…
Recently a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards has died of wounds he sustained while serving in Afghanistan. Details so far are that he was in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province when he sustained his wounds due to enemy fire on the 14th of August 2012. He was flown back to Bastion and then on to England where he survived until today, the 7th September 2012.
More details as I receive them.
Guardsman Karl Whittle
Guardsman Karl Whittle, 22 years of age, from Bristol, leaves behind his parents, partner, and baby daughter.
He sustained gunshot wounds as a result of enemy action while he was manning a checkpoint in the Nar-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on August 14th 2012. After receiving medical treatment and being flown back to England and the Queen Elizabeth hospital, he survived until the 7th September 2012 when he finally succumbed to his wounds.
His family said in a statement:
“Karl was one in a million. He was a proud and caring man who took pride in whatever he did. The family are obviously devastated. Karl was the light of many lives and touched all who knew him. He will be especially missed by his baby daughter Grace, who has lost her number one man.”
Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:
"Guardsman Whittle was one of our very best. A great soldier and a young man of rare character, he was destined to go a very long way in the Army. Big, strong and full of fight, he battled hard against his injuries right to the very end.
I am immensely proud of what Guardsman Whittle achieved out here in Afghanistan and more broadly during his military career. He was utterly committed to his fellow Guardsmen, his Company and the mission. He will never be forgotten by either the Battalion or the broader Regimental family. Moreover, we are determined to maintain the high standards set by this most talented of Grenadiers."
Major Piers Ashfield, Captain of the Queens Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:
“Guardsman Whittle was one of the toughest soldiers in the Company and a loyal friend to everyone he met. His dedication to his duty through great adversity was of the highest order. The Queen’s Company has lost a great soldier, who will forever be remembered for his inspiring bravery and sacrifice.”
Lieutenant Alexander Budge, 3 Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:
“Guardsman Whittle was without doubt a shining light in the Platoon. On arrival at the Battalion, shortly before tour, he immediately asserted himself and showed his true talent. He was kind, compassionate and an exceptional soldier, always ready to help others less proficient than himself. He was a mountain of a man with an extremely bright future, which makes his passing even harder to bear. I think it is a testament to his strength and determination that he fought this long against all odds. He was a professional to the end…”
He is the 426th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
A soldier from The Light Dragoons was killed in an IED strike in Afghanistan’s Nar-e Saraj district earlier today (9th September 2012).
More details as I receive them.
Sergeant Lee Paul Davidson
Sergeant Lee Davidson, 32 years of age, from Doncaster, leaves behind his wife, Samantha, sons, Jamie and Jayden, and unborn daughter.
Sergeant Davidson was on patrol with Afghanistan Uniformed Police in the Nar-e Saraj district of Helmand Province. His ridgeback, the rear vehicle in their patrol, struck an IED on the side of the road and he was fatally injured in the blast.
His wife said in a statement:
"My gorgeous husband Lee, we all can’t believe you have gone. You are my best friend, lover and the best husband and father I could have ever wished for. You really are the total package - good looking, kind, loving, generous and the best dad I have ever known.
“Your memories we had together will be treasured in my mind and heart forever, your children will grow up knowing all this about you. You will never be forgotten. NEVER. All our love your Samantha, Jayden, Jamie and your little daughter whose on the way very soon. x”
Lieutenant Colonel Sam Plant, Commanding Officer, the Light Dragoons, said:
"Sergeant Davidson will be remembered as a simply superb soldier and a wonderful man. From the outset of training for this, his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, he demonstrated the sort of professionalism and determination that had long been his trademark.
"He was the most natural leader of men and soldiers flourished under his command - he set the perfect tone and example and cared deeply for his soldiers’ welfare. Rarely to be seen without a broad smile on his face, his enormous popularity was borne out of deep respect and his unbreakable sense of fun.
"Utterly loyal and ferociously hardworking, he was, and always will be, an inspiration to so many.
"Typically, Sergeant Davidson attacked this new challenge [of training the ANP] with gusto, quickly proving to be an outstanding mentor. The requirement to build rapport with his Afghan partners came completely naturally to him and he died doing a job in which he was succeeding and loving.
“His future in the Light Dragoons was full of promise, and continued promotion up the ranks was a given.”
He is the 427th British casualty of the Afghanistan conflict.
We will remember them.
Today, 14th September 2012, a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier guards was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He was killed when his vehicle struck an IED by the side of a road.
More information when I receive it.
2 soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment were killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Saturday 15th September 2012.
They were killed when a man wearing ANP uniform opened fire on them.
More details as I get them.