MoD names road accident soldiers
Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman (left) and Private Brian Tunnicliffe both died when their vehicle overturned in southern Afghanistan yesterday
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Friday, 21, Sep 2007 06:28
Two UK soldiers killed in a road accident in Afghanistan yesterday have been named as Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman and Private Brian Tunnicliffe.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the soldiers, both from the Mercian Regiment, died when their 4x4 vehicle overturned on a road north of Gereshk in the unstable Helmand province.
A statement explained that the vehicle landed on its roof in an irrigation channel, with one other passenger escaping without injury.
However, Col Sgt Newman and Pvt Tunnicliffe, who had been taking part in a supply mission during a pause in the fighting of Operation Palk Wahel, were declared dead at the scene. No enemy fighters were involved.
The MoD paid tribute to 36-year-old Col Sgt Newman by praising his "true commitment" to operations since enlisting in the Territorial Army in Coventry 13 years ago.
The army described him as a "formidable colour sergeant" who had volunteered to deploy in Afghanistan.
His commanding officer Colonel Ivan Yardley said the colour sergeant, who leaves behind his wife Stephanie and three children Mackenzie, Josh and Tia, was an "outstanding model for the current day Territorial Army soldier".
"As a member of the Territorial Army he was well known throughout all ranks of the Battalion as a larger than life character and his thirst for adventure was infectious for so many of those who were close to him," Col Yardley continued.
"Phillip touched many people's lives, here and abroad; he personified all that was good in a soldier, he led from the front and protected those who could not protect themselves. A tragic loss, but far from a wasted life, I, like so many people who served with Phillip feel extremely privileged to have known him."
Ilkeston-born Pvt Tunnicliffe, known as Tunny, had been in the army for ten years; previously being deployed in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Belize and Kenya.
At one stage during his diverse career he had been responsible for caring for the regiment's iconic mascot Private Derby, a Swalesdale Derbyshire ram.
His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton said of the 33-year-old: "'Private 'Tunny' Tunnicliffe was a true regimental character known to every officer and soldier alike who has served with the battalion over the past decade.
"He would always go the extra mile, ensuring those around him were looked after, whether it be his company commander or the soldiers in the company. All he ever wanted was to make others happy; a thank you and pat on the back was always sufficient reward.
"Private Tunnicliffe reflected the archetypal county infantryman, fiercely loyal to his regiment and his friends. A truly big hearted Ilkeston man through and through, our lives are darker now that his bright light has gone out."
Pvt Tunnicliffe's wife Lindsey said in a statement: "Beloved husband and best friend. Loved the army, always reliable and the worst cook in the world. We'll miss you 'Tunny'."
Defence secretary Des Browne said he was "deeply saddened" by the soldiers' deaths, which bring total army fatalities in Afghanistan since 2001 to 81.
"Both were dedicated, professional soldiers," he commented.
"Their loss strengthens our resolve to continue with our mission in Afghanistan and I commend their comrades for continuing the fight at what must be a difficult time for them. My thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and comrades."