Some Gave All: Craftsman Andrew Found

Craftsman Andrew Found
[Picture: via MOD]

Craftsman Andrew Found killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

17 Jun 11

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Craftsman Andrew Found, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys), was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, 16 June 2011.

Craftsman Andrew Found, who was serving in Afghanistan with D Squadron (Warthog Group) Fitter Section Light Aid Detachment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, was killed in an explosion while on an operation near Adinza'i in the Gereshk Valley area, within the northern Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.

Craftsman Andrew Found

Craftsman Andrew Found was born on 8 November 1983. Hailing from Whitby, and a proud Yorkshireman, he was affectionately known by those in the Squadron as 'Foundy'.

He joined the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a Recovery Mechanic on 11 December 2006, aged 23. Upon completion of basic and trade training he was posted to 4 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, then based at Bordon.

Prior to his arrival at the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, he served in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 10 in 2009. Joining D Squadron (Warthog Group) in August 2010 he conducted the full Mission Specific Training package for Operation HERRICK 14.

In April 2011 he deployed to Afghanistan with the Warthog Group, under the command of 30 Commando Royal Marines taking part in a wide variety of operations across the Task Force Helmand area.

In the early hours of Thursday, 16 June 2011, D Squadron deployed to target insurgents operating from an area in the north of Helmand Province.

During the operation, a Warhog vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which disabled the vehicle and injured its crew. As the Recovery Mechanic, Craftsman Found was assessing the damage to the vehicle when he was caught in a secondary explosion in which he was fatally wounded.

Craftsman Found was married to Samantha and they had one son, Jaxson. He was also father to Michael from a previous relationship.

Craftsman Found's wife, Mrs Samantha Found, paid the following tribute:

"You're my husband, my best friend and are my world. I cannot explain my pain and the hole you have left in all our lives. You are the best husband anyone could have wished for; a great dad, friend and you have touched the hearts of many in your life.

"You loved your job, your family and friends and always loved a good joke. You always made me smile. I will love you always and forever. You where my rock and my hero and always will be. I love you so much."

Craftsman Found's parents, Jennifer and Alan Found and his brother Simon Found, paid the following tribute:

"Andrew is our son, a brother, a husband, a dad, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a friend and a soldier.

"Andrew died doing the job he loved. Even though we are all in pain now, we will remember the fun, the laughter and all the love he brought to all the people he knew and loved."

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Biggart MBE, Commanding Officer The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, said:

"Craftsman Andrew Found was an intelligent, selfless and brave soldier as well as a devoted family man. As a Recovery Mechanic within the Light Aid Detachment of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, which he joined in February 2010, his role was a particularly important one but his natural talent, dedication and commitment made him all the more unique.

"His professionalism was not limited to his core role within the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; it was apparent in all that he did as a soldier, a craftsman and a brother in arms.

"I first saw Craftsman Found shortly after he joined SCOTS DG training on the prairies of Canada in May 2010. Easily recognisable as one of the tallest men in the Regiment, his soft Yorkshire tones completed the aura of a gentle giant.

"He quickly fitted into his new Regiment and became part of the close knit team which is a Squadron Fitter Section. The strong impression he first made continued throughout the following year of training and into our deployment to Afghanistan.

"Craftsman Found was killed by the blast of an Improvised Explosive Device while doing the job he loved and was so very good at. He was coming to the rescue of his Squadron comrades to recover a Warthog Armoured Vehicle damaged in an earlier blast.

"Right up until his final moments, the example he set, together with his wit, kept his fellow soldiers going under very difficult and demanding conditions. His sacrifice was in the finest traditions of both his Corps and his Regiment.

"It was for others that Craftsman Found gave his young life, and his memory will live on, both within the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, whom he served so loyally and with such pride.

"There is no more fitting a motto that that of his Corps - 'Arte et Marte', 'by Skill and by Fighting'.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Samantha, their young son Jaxson and his elder son Michael."...

As those left behind mourn this great loss, go here and read more about Craftsman Found.

Always remembered and honoured. Rest in Peace 'Foundy.'