From top to bottom: Corporal William Thomas Savage, Fusilier Samuel Flint, Private Robert Murray Hetherington
Corporal William Savage, Fusilier Samuel Flint, and Private Robert Hetherington were killed as a result of an insurgent IED after their Mastiff vehicle struck the device. All three were rushed to Camp Bastion, but it was confirmed that they had been killed in action shortly after arriving.
Corporal William Savage, 29 years of age, from Irvine, leaves behind his wife, Lindsey, who is also expecting their first child.
In a statement, she said:
"I am completely devastated by this news but extremely proud of ?Sav? and everything that he has achieved. He loved being a soldier!
“I have lost the love of my life and the father of our son. I know his life will live on through so many amazing memories that we shared together. He will be deeply missed amongst family, friends and the regiment.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay, Commanding Officer, 2 SCOTS, said:
"We will remember Corporal William Savage as an exceptional soldier, a dedicated leader and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was a classic example of a Scottish infantryman: robust, committed and blessed with a fine line in banter. He had made the battalion proud with his excellent recent performance on the Section Commanders? Battle Course at the Infantry Battle School and he was rightly proud of his well-earned reputation as a tough combat soldier. He had proven his credentials on 2 previous tours of Afghanistan and we considered him a leading light amongst the corporals in the battalion and regiment.
"Corporal Savage?s composed and professional approach had a calming influence on his platoon and he was seemingly unaffected by the dangers he faced daily in Afghanistan. He was unflappable and this example inspired his fellow soldiers. In a similar manner his bright personality lifted the spirits of those around him, particularly during difficult times.
"Corporal Savage also played a full and vibrant part in wider battalion life; whether it was growing an extravagant moustache for charity or organising social events in the Corporals? Mess, he was always at the forefront of the fun. He was very popular with us all, but particularly with our junior soldiers because of the compassion and understanding he showed them.
“The loss of Corporal Savage has been a hammer blow to the battalion and the regimental family. We are all immensely proud to have known him and we will miss him dearly. He will always be remembered as a brilliant soldier and a remarkable man.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, Commanding Officer, First Fusiliers Battle Group, Transitional Support Group Nahr-e Saraj, said:
"The loss of Corporal William Savage will be keenly felt by all in the First Fusiliers Battle Group. He arrived in Afghanistan only 7 weeks ago but he had already made a tangible difference to the combat effectiveness of his section. He was an outstanding leader who took pride in inspiring his men to follow his lead; he demonstrated compassion and courage in equal measure.
“Corporal Savage?s sacrifice has deepened our admiration for the courage of those who so willingly risk their lives in order that others may hope to live in peace.”
Fusilier Samuel Flint, 20 years of age, from Blackpool, leaves behind his family.
His family said:
"The whole family is completely devastated. Everyone should know that Sam loved his job and made his whole family and everyone that knew him very proud.
"Sam was always the life and soul of the party, a real ladies man, witty funny, the real cheeky chappy. He was a loving son, the protective brother, courageous nephew, the caring uncle, the loyal grandson that anyone would wish to have.
"We want to thank everyone for the kind tributes and strong support
“Always in our hearts and minds, we love you Sam.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay, Commanding Officer, 2 SCOTS, said:
"Fusilier Samuel Flint arrived at the Battalion at the very beginning of Mission Specific Training in June 2012 and made an immediate impression as a fit, enthusiastic, motivated and capable soldier who was quick with a smile and a laugh. Despite his young age and relative inexperience it was clear to us all that he was a soldier brimming with skill and ability. He excelled during the many exercises that his Platoon took part in during the build-up to operations and had been identified as a potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officer following the tour of Afghanistan.
"Perhaps more importantly, he was quick to form deep friendships with his fellow Jocks and he was always one to help others around him and to give of himself for the benefit of his Section and Platoon. Fusilier Flint was not only committed in military life but revelled in outdoor pursuits and activities such as climbing and mountain biking. He approached everything he did with total motivation and it was clear that his ability matched his ambition. A bright future lay ahead for Fusilier Flint and it is cruel to see that future taken away from him.
“We have all been immensely proud to have known and worked with Fusilier Sam Flint and he will forever be in the memory of the Battalion and of the Regiment. We bid him farewell and promise to continue his work in Afghanistan and to commemorate his sacrifice.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, Commanding Officer, First Fusiliers Battle Group, Transitional Support Group Nahr-e Saraj, said:
“The loss of Fusilier Samuel Flint will be keenly felt by all in the First Fusiliers Battlegroup. Despite being a young, operationally inexperienced Fusilier on his first tour of Afghanistan, he had settled quickly into life on the frontline. He was a real character and a professional soldier with a bright future. Fusilier Flint?s sacrifice is a stark reminder that we should be so very proud of those who risk their lives so willingly in the pursuit of peace.”
Private Robert Hetherington, 25 years of age, was born in the US but raised in Scotland.
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay, Commanding Officer, 2 SCOTS, said:
"Private Robert Murray Hetherington epitomised everything that is excellent about the Reserve Forces. He joined the Battalion after being mobilised from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland in November 2012 and took to life in the Regular Army with gusto. He threw himself into Mission Specific Training with real verve and he was immediately singled out as a highly effective infantryman; rated right at the top of his peer group in both the regular and the Reserve Forces. He was never daunted by complex situations and was praised by his chain of command for his performances throughout the Battalion?s build up training.
"Private Bobby Hetherington was a thoughtful and humorous soldier who was always quick to find the fun in Army life and to keep the chain of command on our toes with his sharp wit and insightful mind. He was gregarious and open and this made him a much liked and respected member of his Platoon and the Battalion. Following Operation Herrick 18, Private Hetherington aspired to complete the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and I have no doubt that he would have excelled. It is a hard blow that such potential will not reach fruition. Private Bobby Hetherington was talented in many other walks of life too; he had a degree in Environmental Geography and played for Scotland in his favourite sport of lacrosse.
“He will be sorely missed by us all in the Battalion and we take great pride in having served alongside such an impressive young man. We will never forget his sacrifice and he will forever be a part of our Battalion and Regimental family.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, Commanding Officer, First Fusiliers Battle Group, Transitional Support Group Nahr-e Saraj, said:
“The loss of Private Robert Hetherington will be keenly felt by all in the First Fusiliers Battlegroup. Private Hetherington was on his first tour of Afghanistan and it was immediately apparent to all those who he served alongside in B Company that he was a mature, balanced and thoroughly professional infantryman as well as a model Reservist. Private Hetherington?s sacrifice has reminded us all that we should be so very proud of those who risk their lives so willingly in the pursuit of peace.”
Their deaths bring the count of British casualties in the Afghanistan conflict to 444.
We will remember them.
