Some Gave All: Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones

Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones dies in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

25 Jan 12

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) on Tuesday 24th January 2012 at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones
[Picture: via MOD]

Signaller Ian Gerard Sartorius-Jones

Signaller Sartorius-Jones, 21, from Runcorn, Cheshire, enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following his basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals, Blandford, where he enjoyed a promising start to his career as a Communications Systems Operator.

He joined 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters & Signal Squadron (200) in May 2008 where this talented and intelligent soldier deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC 13. While in Iraq he contributed to the provision of communications and the closure of the Combined Operating Base Basra. He showed the raw talent on tour to be plucked from his duties in the Contingency Operating Base to serve with one of the Military Transition Teams providing communications and mentoring to the Iraqi forces. He took part in many exercises including a three month deployment to the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada and a string of Mission Specific Training exercises in Germany, Denmark and the UK. His sterling performances during these exercises and genuine aptitude for field soldiering saw him selected to work as a Rear Link Detachment Operator on Operation HERRICK 15.

Initially Detached to C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) and latterly D (DELHI) Company, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own), this outgoing and charismatic Signaller was responsible for the maintenance of vital communications links from a Forward Operating Base in Nahr-e Saraj as well as conducting patrols alongside his Infantry counterparts.

Signaller Sartorius-Jones leaves behind his wife Kellyanne and young son Dylan as well as his parents Robert and Amanda Sartorius-Jones and brother, Alan, 26.

The family of Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones, said:

“Ian was a lovable character, a devoted father to Dylan, who is 8 months old, husband to Kellyanne, a wonderful son to Robert and Amanda and brother to Alan. He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends.”

Major Stu Whittley, Officer Commanding, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:

“Signaller Sartorius-Jones was a gregarious, immensely respected and highly capable Signaller. One of the longest serving members and biggest characters in the Squadron, he had accrued a vast amount of experience in his short career. That he was one of the first volunteers to extend his time with the Squadron to deploy on Operation HERRICK 15 was little surprise to those who knew him. Given his abilities, attitude and experience, he was an automatic choice for the demanding role of a Rear Link Detachment Signaller with D (DELHI) Company, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own).

“I will remember Signaller Sartorius-Jones for his dedication to his mates, upbeat nature and cutting sense of humour. A hugely popular soldier, notorious for his own individual style and taste in music, he was always to be found at the centre of any activity with a smile on his face. His love of dance music resulted in various members of the Squadron having memorable nights in far flung parts of Europe. A former British National Tae Kwon Do Champion and an able footballer, he was relaxed and easy going in work, and his unbounded energy and ability to motivate others were an inspiration to us all. As a senior Signaller he took his role of mentoring and developing those around him seriously, especially in the build up to and deployment on operations. It is a mark of the man that he rarely took the credit for or acknowledged these actions, it was simply what he did.

“The Squadron is deeply moved by Signaller Sartorius-Jones’ passing. It is a privilege to have served with him and we have lost a true friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Kellyanne, his young son Dylan and his family. He is sorely missed.”...

Go HERE to spend some time getting to know this Fallen Hero in the words of those who know and love him the most.

Rest In Peace, Sir. Always remembered and honoured.