It has been revealed a young soldier from Mossley has been killed while serving in Afghanistan. Corporal Joseph Etchells was 22 and was serving with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers when he died on Sunday on foot patrol in Helmand Province. A former pupil of Mossley Hollins High School, he joined the army at 16 and has been described as a rising star, and a born leader. Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said: "Corporal Etchells was a remarkable young man. He showed a gift for soldiering that touched all who worked with him. His enthusiasm, determination, loyalty and professionalism would have seen him progress with ease through the ranks. Above all he will be remembered for the friendships that he easily made; at home, in barracks or facing daily adversity in Afghanistan. "The Battalion; his friends mourn his loss. However our loss is nothing compared to the loss sustained by his fiancée, and his family. Our prayers are now for them, Julie and their daughter." Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson MBE, Commanding Officer, 2 Rifles Battle Group said: "Cpl Etchells was one of those heroic men who never made a fuss and who always exceeded what we asked of him; and we have been asking a lot of him this summer. Cpl Etchells was a tough, wiry, charming JNCO who oozed friendship in a sort of 360 degree way; he cared down, across and up the chain of command. "This was quite a singular approach but it gives you the mark of the man. He has made a real difference for the benefit of the Afghan people here. He wore his responsibilities enviably lightly and his Fusiliers adored him for the fact that he was the consummate section commander. "Their grief at this tragic loss is heart-breaking but his valiant Fusiliers know that Etch would want them to get back into the mix straight away and that is what his heroes will do in memory of a man who has given his life in the service of his country. "Our thoughts and prayers must now be with his beloved fiancée, Julie, and her daughter."
Another tragic victim of a pointless and futile war. RIP Corporal Etchells. Tameside Citizen
7 comments:
Please ensure any comments you make regarding the tragic death of Corporal Etchells is well thought out and respectful. This brave young man did not start the war in Afghanistan and his passing is a loss not only to his family but to the borough of Tameside as a whole.
Yes I agree no silly links, no bad language.
He served his Queen and Country with absolute distinction. Our thoughts should be with those closest to him who will be mourning their lost and to his comrades who have lost a friend and are putting their own lives in danger to ensure our lives may hopefully be free from the threat of terrorism.
A true Brit.
The question is why aren't more troops from other countries at the sharp end? British casualties are massively disproportionate to every country except the US and Canada.
RIP Cpl Etchells.
Our thoughts are with his family and comrades.
Tonight's full council meeting stood in silent tribute to this brave Tamesider.
RIP Brave Warrior.
Rest in peace with the angels and the lord. A true hero
God bess. x
Post a Comment