Army major killed in Afghanistan mourned
Family leads tributes to Major Sean Birchall, 169th UK soldier to die in Afghanistan
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Sunday, 21, Jun 2009 11:32
Tributes to a senior British army officer killed in Afghanistan have been led by his family.
Major Sean Birchall's wife Joanna described the 33-year-old as a "wonderful husband, a doting father [to 18-month-old Charlie] and a much-loved son and brother".
Maj Birchall of the First Battalion Welsh Guards died on Friday when the three vehicle convoy he was leading was hit by a roadside bomb in the village of Basharan, near Lashkar Gah, Helmand province.
Despite receiving medical assistance, he died en route to the helicopter extraction site.
The South African-born Sandhurst graduate, who moved to the UK aged six months, was the commanding officer of IX Company, which treated Basharan as its "patch" after helping the Afghan army drive the Taliban out.
His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thornloe said the battle group had been "stunned and saddened" by the death.
"Sean had all the qualities of the outstanding professional soldier – fitness, coolness under pressure, and tactical flair," Lt Col Thornloe said.
"His character was defined by his tremendous and infectious enthusiasm - I do not think he had a negative bone in his body."
In a statement, Mrs Birchall added: "He has been described as 'devilishly fit, stylish and energetic' and he was so very proud to be a guards officer. He was also thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a newly formed company in Afghanistan and despite spending such a short time with his guardsmen, he was utterly devoted to them. He would want them to continue with courage and commitment and to come home safely when the job is done.
"It is the excellence he achieved in every facet of his life that defined Sean. An athlete, an adventurer and an instinctive leader, he was an inspiration to all who knew him.
"He leaves behind his adoring family, the regiment he loved, and his loyal friends. They will miss him terribly."
Maj Birchall is the 169th UK soldier to die in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion of 2001.