Some Gave All: Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith

Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith killed in Afghanistan

11 Aug 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce the death of Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith from the Corps of Royal Engineers. Lance Corporal Smith was killed in action on Friday 10th August 2012.




Lance Corporal Smith was part of a Troop tasked to build a new checkpoint next to the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province when he was hit by small arms fire. He received immediate first aid and was evacuated by helicopter but, despite all efforts to save him, he sadly died of his wounds.
Lance Corporal Matthew Smith
Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith was born on 12 March 1986 in Hong Kong. He grew up in Aldershot, going to school in the local area and playing his favourite sport, football, for Hale Football Club. He enlisted in January 2003 and joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in September of the same year. He quickly progressed, and successfully completed a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre in July 2008, promoting three months later.
He continued his passion for football throughout his career. He played numerous times for 26 Engineer Regiment and was part of the team that won the Corps Championship, the Blythe Cup, in 2011. He was a dedicated team member, immensely popular and extremely talented.
Lance Corporal Smith deployed to Afghanistan on 16 March 2012 with 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment. He was based in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province where he supported 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment as a section second in command, crane operator and driver. Since arriving, he had been heavily involved with the transition to Afghan-led security, using his specialist skills to assist in the closure and drawdown of International Security Assistance Force bases. As a crane operator, he was involved in the construction of a new bridge allowing the local population of Nad-e Ali to cross the Nahr-e-Bughra canal. In this task, as with everything, he was the epitome of professionalism.
Lance Corporal Smith had been a member of 26 Engineer Regiment for nearly three years. In his time in the Regiment his personality had touched a lot of people. He will be justly remembered as one of the most popular, professional and devoted soldiers by anyone who was lucky enough to work with him. His irrepressible spirit, even in the toughest of situations, was legendary and will be sorely missed by the whole Regiment.
Above everything else, Lance Corporal Smith was devoted to his family. He talked about them endlessly. He leaves behind his father, Kenneth, mother Caroline, fiancée Laura, brother Bradley and four children, Lainie, Ella, Tilli and Jai (aged between one and seven).
Lance Corporal Smith’s Mother, Caroline Smith, paid the following tribute:

"A loving father to four beautiful children, who will be dearly missed by his fiancée, mother, father, family and friends. Our Hero R.I.P."

Much more here.

Always remembered. ALWAYS honoured.