Tributes paid to soldier
17 September, 2007
Sergeant Craig Brelsford
Tributes have been paid to the Chilwell solider who died in Afghanistan.Sergeant Craig Brelsford from The 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died while on a tour of duty on Saturday, September 8.
Sergeant Brelsford was taking part in a pre-planned operation to disrupt Taliban activity, south of Garmsir, southern Helmand Province, when their patrol was attacked by enemy fighters shortly after 0045 hours local time.
Sergeant Brelsford and his colleague Private Botha were both killed during the subsequent heavy firefight to repel the enemy. A number of Taliban were also killed.
Sergeant Craig Brelsford of A (Grenadier) Company, 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), was born on 16 September 1981; he was days away from his 26th birthday. He was also a former pupils at Bramcote Hills School.
”Rising Star”
Major Jamie Nowell, Officer Commanding A (Grenadier) Company, said: "Sergeant Craig Brelsford served as a Platoon Sergeant in No 3 Platoon and was a rising star in the Regiment. Despite his relative youth he was incredibly talented and possessed potential and maturity beyond his years.
“Sergeant Brelsford was one of the most dedicated, professional and highly focused Infantry commanders I have been privileged to work with. He died maintaining the incredibly high standards he lived for and protecting his soldiers' lives – his troops always came first.
”Leadership”
Company Sergeant Major Pete Lewis, A (Grenadier) Company, said: "'Brels' arrived in the Company a year ago and took over 3 Platoon where he immediately stamped his authority and leadership style on the Platoon, turning it into an excellent team.
“From the first time I met Sergeant Brelsford he was a pillar to me and somebody I could trust and rely on. In the field he was second to none; one of the best soldiers I have had the honour of working with. There will be a void in the Company where he stood, alongside his soldiers to the end. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten."
”Respected”
Lieutenant Simon Cupples and Second Lieutenant Andy Bell, his Platoon Commanders, said: "Sergeant Brelsford was an extremely professional soldier. He was respected and liked a great deal by the Platoon – something which is not an easy task for a Platoon Sergeant considering the nature of the job.
“Throughout the whole tour Sergeant Brelsford, time and time again, demonstrated calm and considered leadership under pressure and incredible bravery in the face of the enemy. The night he died was no exception to this.
"His death has left a huge gap in both his Platoon and Company and he will be remembered not only for how he served his Platoon, but also as a friend and talented military commander."
”A Flyer”
Corporal Rocco Zecca, Section Commander and close friend, said: "I first met Sgt Brelsford when I arrived at the Battalion and he was placed in my Platoon. He had arrived five days before me which basically made us the 'new blokes'.
"As a soldier Sergeant Brelsford was very well respected because, despite having only served eight years in the Army, he was recognised as a flyer.
“He had managed to promote quickly and the amount of courses he had completed in his eight years far exceeded what most would accomplish in their full twenty two. Sergeant Brelsford will always be remembered by 3 Platoon for being a great leader of men as well as a true friend."
”Excellent”
Private Paul Bood and Private Samuel Murray, soldiers in Sergeant Brelsford's Platoon, said: "Sergeant Brelsford will be missed by us all, as he was an excellent Platoon Sergeant and a great friend to everyone. He was a funny man and we will all miss his stories, especially the one about the 'armpit'.
“His death has hit us all in many different ways. He will be missed not just by the Platoon but by everyone who knew him. He will always be in our hearts and minds."
By Editor.
