Lieutenant Colonel Thorneloe died in a roadside blast
You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video.
advertisement
Tributes to Aldershot battalion's senior officer
July 02, 2009
TRIBUTES have been paid to the fourth Welsh Guard killed in Afghanistan
Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe was the battalion’s commanding officer and has been described as an "outstanding man".
Lieutenant Colonel Thorneloe, who was interviewed twice by Get Hampshire before he and the Aldershot-based 1st Battalion Welsh Guards left for Afghanistan in April, is Britain’s most senior army casualty since the Falklands War.
The 40-year-old and Trooper Joshua Hammond of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment died in an explosion on Wednesday while on patrol near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.
Click on the video player to see Lt Col Thorneloe talking before his tour in Afghanistan.
On Friday afternoon, Major Di Bevan, from the Aldershot-based 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, paid tribute to him in a statement at the Lille Barracks.
"Colonel Rupert was an outstanding man and an officer with a very bright future. We in the Welsh Guards have lost one of our finest. He cared passionately for the men under his command and what his battle group were doing in Afghanistan.
"He had qualities that made him special. He was a consummate professional, charismatic, blessed with an exceptional intellect and he was utterly charming."
Flowers
A dozen bouquets have been placed at the Welsh Guards base at Lille Barracks and tributes, including one from the Irish Guards have been left.
One tribute read: "Another fallen hero, a true leader, another family left behind. You are now with the angels. Please look over our men and bring them home safely".
Brigadier Miles Wade, commander of 145 Brigade which the battalion was part of, confirmed their identities during a press conference at St Omer Barracks in Alison’s Road on Thursday.
Sorely missed
He read a statement that described their deaths as “a blow that will be deeply felt by all connected with the Welsh Guards Battle Group".
Brigadier Wade said: “Our first actions have been to support their families and friends at home in the UK and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“We treasure all our soldiers, regardless of rank and the loss of these brave soldiers will simply strengthen our resolve to ensure that all our servicemen and women receive the best possible support while they are deployed overseas.
“We truly appreciate the expressions of support and sympathy from the public for our soldiers and their families. It is particularly important for those on operations to know that they are supported at home.”
Lt Col Thorneloe, from Oxfordshire, is survived by his wife Sally and daughters Hannah and Sophie.
His widow paid tribute to him saying: "Rupert was my very best friend and his death is a devastating blow.
"Our daughters will have to grow up without their beloved daddy, although I will see a part of him in them every day."
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for British forces in Afghanistan, said: “The loss of these brave soldiers has hit us all very deeply; we grieve for them at this very sad time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues who feel the greatest loss.”
Browse Sections
