Acting Corporal David O’Connor and Corporal Channing Day
They were conducting a patrol with other elements of Charlie Company, 40 Commando, and Afghanistan Local Police to conduct low level training with them when they came under fire from near a small village named Char Kutsa. During the engagement, Acting Corporal O’Connor was fatally wounded alongside his college and patrol medic, Corporal Day.
Acting Corporal David O’Connor, 27 years of age, from Hampshire, leaves behind his mother, Rosemary, Brother, Phil, Father, Roy (known to all as George), and his loving family.
His family made the following statement:
“David???s family and friends are greatly saddened by his loss and hope to be left to grieve privately.”
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:
"This is an extremely sad time for 40 Commando Royal Marines, his friends and most of all his family. Corporal Dave O???Connor was one of the best; he was loved and respected by those around him and was relentless in the pursuit of excellence in his duties. Utterly professional, his four operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan marked him as one of the most devoted individuals in the Commando. Brave, committed and humorous it is difficult to find words that can possibly fill the void which has been left by this truly excellent junior commander; his loss is difficult to comprehend. His career was dedicated to the service of his country and to the lives of the Royal Marines with whom he served.
"The Royal Marines that he leaves behind will continue to thrive on the enthusiasm he showed in every aspect of his role but their lives will always be marred by the sadness which comes with losing a great leader, a great companion and a great friend.
???Corporal O???Connor???s loss will be mourned across the Royal Marines by those who he knew and by those who can only aspire to be in some small way like him. He was exceptional and I am immensely proud to have had the privilege of serving alongside him both here and on Op Cougar."
Major Chris Hall, Royal Marines, Officer Commanding, Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:
"Corporal Dave O???Connor was a fantastic, engaging and professional man who was universally popular and highly capable in all he did. He has been with Charlie Company for many years and was a stalwart of both the professional and social side of Company life. He was a veteran of Telic 4 and Herricks 7 and 12 and was very clear in his motivation for returning to Afghanistan for another tour. He wanted to lead his men and utilise his considerable experience to guide them through the next six months and leave Afghanistan a better country.
"Dave???s cutting, self deprecating wit, easy going manner and endearing personality will never be forgotten by all those who had the privilege and pleasure to have met and worked with him.
“He will never be forgotten.”
Also, to my shame I rarely add in quotes from the lower ranks, but in this case I saw this one from Marine Tom Leigh, 8 Troop, Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines:
“…He was Charlie Coy down to his core, a true Spartan who will live on forever in our memories as he takes up his honorary place in the Spartan Bar. Stand easy, Dangerous Dave O???Connor, see you on the other side. The first round is on you…”
Corporal Channing Amanda Day, 25 years of age, from Wiltshire, leaves behind her parents, Rosemary and Leslie, her sisters, Lauren and Laken, and her brother Aaron.
Her family made the following statement:
"Channing was bubbly, sporty, beautiful and lived her life for the Army. She has died doing what she lived for and in the life that she loved. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a wonderful girl who never stopped smiling and who had an infectious laugh.
"Channing played football for Northern Ireland as well as ice hockey and also gained her qualification as a ski instructor through the Army. She was also the Northern Ireland Gymnastics Pairs Champion. A girl who lived her life to the full without ever giving up on her dreams.
“She was a fabulous daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, niece and friend. She will be so sadly missed by all.”
Lieutenant Colonel Phillip de Rouffignac, Commanding Officer, 3 Medical Regiment, said:
"Corporal Channing Day was a star for the future. Although only 25, she had recently been promoted to Corporal, and her current operational experience in Iraq and Afghanistan made her a natural choice for the demanding role she was undertaking in support of 40 Commando Royal Marines. Diligent in every respect of her preparation, she had worked hard all the way through the build-up training and led by example in all that she did.
???Hugely popular with her friends in Preston, Catterick and in Afghanistan, Corporal Channing Day made the most of everything and had lived a lifetime in a short time. An Army footballer, she was a real team player in every sense. Corporal Day will be sorely missed…"
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:
"Corporal Channing Day had clearly made a positive impact on Charlie Company Royal Marines and is spoken about with huge warmth and affection; she was an inspiration and example to all whom she met. Throughout her short time with 40 Commando Royal Marines she endeared herself to all that she worked alongside. Enthusiastic, popular and professional it was clear that she really was one of those rare people who could lighten the mood regardless of the situation. Highly competent she gave Charlie Company the confidence to patrol across a dangerous area knowing that she would be there to care for them if they fell ??? she was devoted to helping others.
???The loss of such an exceptional talent has come as a tragic blow…"
Major Paul Sandle, RAMC, Officer Commanding, Close Support (Task Force Helmand) Medical Squadron, 3 Medical Regiment, said:
"Corporal Channing Day joined Close Support (Task Force Helmand) Medical Squadron from 63 (Force Support) Squadron when 3 Medical Regiment re-structured into its Operation Herrick 17 configuration in early 2012. Channing was a very experienced Combat Medical Technician who had already served operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
???Channing had recently been promoted to the rank of Corporal and was enjoying the opportunity to lead the junior medics of 3/5 Troop who were working alongside 40 Commando Royal Marines as part of Transition Support Unit Nahr-e Seraj. Channing???s strong character, good nature and unique sense of humour were invaluable in contributing to the efforts of the Squadron. She was never one to shy away from a challenge, and would fully immerse herself in the task at hand, fully embracing the role of a close support medic.
???Channing was a dedicated and selfless medic who put the needs of others before her own."
Their deaths bring the total number of British casualties, from the Afghanistan conflict, to 435.
We will remember them.
