Some Gave All: Captain Daniel Read

Bomb expert Daniel Read killed in Afghanistan had just returned after injury

A British bomb disposal expert killed on Monday had just returned to duty after being injured by a blast three months ago, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

Captain Daniel Read, 31, from 11 Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, the Royal Logistics Corps was killed near Musa Qala whilst attempting to deactivate a Taleban bomb.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, paid tribute to Captain Read’s “selfless commitment, loyalty and deep-seated courage”....

At the time of his death, colleagues said, he had already deactivated 32 bombs, many of them whilst working alongside Danish forces in central Helmand.

In October he was injured by a bomb blast but returned to Afghanistan a month later, as soon as he was fit to do so.

Captain Gareth Bateman, a colleague, said: “Soldiers understand what it means to be courageous and Dan epitomised this most incredible quality. Lesser men would have opted for the easy option and stayed at home after being injured but Dan had a task to finish, a team to lead and a battle that he wanted to continue fighting.”

Other colleagues spoke of him as a “a soldier's officer” and a much liked and cool-headed operator.

Colonel Bex added: “A natural leader, Dan was well respected and held in deep affection by his men, “He led by example, loved working in the close-knit community that is typical of the improvised explosive device disposal teams, and would have done anything for his men.”

Danish troops also expressed their sorrow at his death. Captain Martin Birch Hansen, who worked with him from the Danish Engineer Detachment said he had not been surprised to hear of his swift return to Afghanistan after his earlier injury.

“That was him exactly — not choosing the easy way. He had a job to finish. I will always remember his serious approach to the job in front of him and his humorous approach to just about everything else.

“The way he would say ‘no dramas’' created an ethos of determination here that has not been forgotten.”...(more here)

From the MoD:

Captain Daniel Read
[Picture: via MOD]

Captain Read's widow, Mrs Lorraine (known as 'Lou') Read, has made the following statement:

"Dan was so brave, he was my hero and best friend, he was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will never be forgotten and always in my heart. I'm so proud and privileged to have been your wife."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex RLC, Commanding Officer, Counter-IED Task Force and 11 EOD Regiment RLC, said:

"Dan Read was filled with a zest for life, and I found him instantly likeable when I first met him in November 2008. He epitomised the values of selfless commitment, loyalty and deep-seated courage.

"Such was his professionalism and determination that even an injury sustained in a bomb blast in October 2009 could not keep him away for more than two months and he returned to theatre in December 2009 as soon as his injuries were healed.

"Despite the inherent dangers, Dan was determined to return to Afghanistan; he had a job to finish and a team to rejoin. My thoughts go out to Lou, his wife, who was Dan's rock.

"His return after injury is but one example that could be used to illustrate Dan's tremendous physical and mental courage, but for those who knew him you simply had to see the cheeky grin or hear him say 'no dramas' in the face of a daunting task to know that nothing could faze him.

"A natural leader, Dan was well respected and held in deep affection by his men. He led by example, loved working in the close-knit community that is typical of the improvised explosive device disposal [IEDD] teams, and would have done anything for his men.

"He relished his role as an IEDD operator and was very proud to have reached the pinnacle that is denoted by 'high threat' status. Dan will always be remembered for his buoyant character, infectious sense of humour and love for a social gathering.

"He made the ultimate sacrifice, but his actions have saved countless numbers of the lives of both his fellow soldiers and the Afghans whom he fought to protect.

"In ridding Helmand province of the indiscriminate threat of these explosive devices he has served a noble cause and we are inspired by his incredible bravery and personal example.

Captain Daniel Read, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
[Picture: via MOD]

"I am proud and honoured to have been the Commanding Officer of a man of Dan's calibre. His death will not be in vain; we will see to that."

Lieutenant Colonel Harry Fullerton, Commanding Officer Battle Group (North West), said:

"This has been a tragic day. Words cannot express how we all feel. Captain Dan Read had become, in a short space of time, a trusted comrade and friend, who we had so much respect for and had so very much relied on.

"Dan was a brave officer, who died doing a very dangerous and complex job. He loved his profession and he knew the risks that he took on a daily basis. Without his expertise in countering the IED threat, all the gains we have made recently would have been impossible.

"His death has come as a shock to me, to his IEDD team and all soldiers serving here in the Household Cavalry Battle Group. I and many others had been working closely with Dan over the past few days to clear insurgents out of Musa Qaleh.

"He had dealt with many numbers of IEDs, rendering them safe in a calm and professional manner. Dan never showed any fear, just a clear focus on his job and a dedication to duty that few outside the ATO profession can equal.

"We will all miss him and I salute a hero and a very brave young man. Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this most difficult time."...much more here)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Rest in Peace, Captain.