Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Fisher, killed in Afghanistan on 5th November 2013.

Service Number: 24935549

Born on 6th October 1971, he was aged 42.

He is laid to rest St Giles Church,  Church Street, Whittington. 


MOD Statement: 
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Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Fisher from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment was killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on 5 November 2013.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Fisher deployed to Afghanistan on 19 August 2013 as the Warrior fighting vehicle Sergeant Major for the Task Force Helmand Armoured Infantry Company of A Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment. His unit was part of the Manoeuvre Battle Group of 7th Armoured Brigade, based at Patrol Base Lashkar Gah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

On Monday 4 November, WO2 Fisher deployed with his company on a 2-day operation to disrupt insurgent activity in the vicinity of Kamparak to the north east of his patrol base. The following day, as a meeting was being conducted with Afghan National Security Forces, WO2 Fisher’s vehicle was subjected to a vehicle-borne suicide attack. WO2 Fisher was evacuated by air to the military hospital at Camp Bastion, where it was confirmed that he had been killed in action.

WO2 Fisher was born on 6 October 1971 in Barking, Essex, and grew up in Elm Park, Hornchurch, Essex. He attended Ayloff Primary School, Sanders Draper School and Havering Technical College before going on to Staffordshire University, where he read physics and geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science honours degree in 1993.

Alongside his studies, WO2 Fisher joined the Territorial Army in February 1993 with B Company, 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment, based in Stoke-on-Trent. The Army rapidly became his main focus and, after completing his degree and a total of 3-and-a-half years’ reservist service as a Lance Corporal, he volunteered to go to Hong Kong in August 1996 as a regular private with B Company, 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s).

WO2 Fisher’s extensive operational experience stretches back to 1999, and he had completed 4 operational tours: once to Northern Ireland, twice to Iraq on Operation Telic 6 and Operation Telic 9; and a previous tour of Afghanistan in 2011 on Operation Herrick 14.

WO2 Fisher enjoyed hill walking, climbing and camping with his family and friends. He loved to travel at every opportunity.

His colleagues describe him as the epitome of an infantry sergeant major; straight talking and obsessive in his pursuit of excellence and gaining the most from his subordinates while ensuring their well-being. Yet he was this and more, with an honours degree in physics and geology to his name; his intellect, wit and strong sense of humour marked him out from his peers. He will be sorely missed across the battalion.

WO2 Fisher leaves behind his wife, Emma; 2 sons, James, aged 7, and William, aged 5; and his parents, Simon and Helen.

WO2 Fisher’s wife, Emma, paid the following tribute: "Ian will always be the centre of my life. He will be remembered as a doting father, loving husband and a true professional soldier. He loved being a soldier, that’s what he lived for. We are all so proud and always will be."

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Davies, Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, said: "To lose a soldier in combat is a tragedy that hits any unit hard, but to lose a warrant officer of WO2 Ian Fisher’s calibre and standing in such a tight knit family regiment is a huge blow that has left the whole battalion numb. Qualified in both light role and armoured infantry, it was his expertise on Warrior fighting vehicles that set WO2 Fisher apart from his peers and for which he was widely respected as one of the best of his generation across the Army. His reputation as a tough talking, no nonsense sergeant major belied his quick wit and mischievous sense of humour and his men loved him for it. A larger than life character, he played a pivotal role in battalion life, always at the forefront where there was fun to be had. His nickname of ‘The Colonel’ epitomised him; he was the consummate professional, never happier than when leading from the front and making things happen. Hugely popular, he is already sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Emma, two sons, James and William, and his parents, Helen and Simon, at this most difficult of times. Lieutenant Colonel James Roddis, Commanding Officer of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) Manoeuvre Battle Group, said: "We will remember WO2 Fisher as an exceptional man, soldier and leader. 4 SCOTS knew him well, having served with him both in Canada last year and now in Afghanistan. An archetypal sergeant major, he inspired those around him with his confidence and professionalism. No matter what the situation, Sergeant Major Fisher’s composure was catching and he had a calming influence on all those he served with. As the Warrior sergeant major, he was a pivotal company figure. He was the commander’s right-hand man and his trusted friend; his advice was regularly sought and relied upon. He cared deeply for all in the company and, in turn, they looked up to and respected him. He is a huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times. Our hurt is nothing compared to their grief but if it is any small consolation he will be sorely missed."

Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Robert Mears, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, said: "WO2 Ian Fisher was a warrant officer first and foremost; he was a dependable, loyal and trustworthy man who had the respect of his peers, friends and subordinates alike. He was a man who got the job done, no matter what the odds. With a real flair for armoured infantry, he was the backbone of the battalion in this skill set. He was an active member of the Sergeants’ Mess, with a thirst for responsibility. His support was second-to-none. Ian will leave a gap in our battalion and our wider regimental family. He will be sorely missed by all as he was known for his ability, sense of humour and sheer professionalism. Ian stood firm and struck hard. He was a dedicated father and loving husband who lived for his family. The thoughts of the battalion are with his wife, Emma, and 2 sons, James and William, at this extremely difficult time. "

Major Neil Kelly, Officer Commanding A Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, said: "WO2 Ian Fisher was posted to A Company while we were deployed on exercise in Canada in October 2012; he made an immediate impression on both myself and the company. His professionalism was abundantly clear from the start as he assumed his role effortlessly; his sharp sense of humour winning friends and his meticulous attention to detail demonstrating that a more dedicated and knowledgeable sergeant major to run the fleet of Warrior armoured fighting vehicles would not be found. I trusted Sergeant Major Fisher implicitly and relied on him heavily through the highs and lows of preparing and deploying the company on operations to Afghanistan; he was instrumental to our success. His vast experience of operational tours in Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan meant his advice and guidance was invaluable for all ranks during the 9 months of frenetic training prior to deployment. Since deploying to Afghanistan Sergeant Major Fisher has been a tower of strength. His experience and soldiering skills have complemented the company at every turn and he faced the significant challenges and dangers of the tour with his customary sense of humour and utter professionalism. He and I shared the turret of my Warrior during the many months of training and the first 10 weeks of the tour; it has been a pleasure to have enjoyed the company of one of the most capable soldiers, dedicated commanders and loving husbands and fathers that it has been my privilege to meet.  His loss is deeply felt by all and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, in particular his wife, Emma, and children, James and William, at this devastating time."

Major Oliver Major, Officer Commanding C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, said:
"WO2 Ian Fisher was a uniquely talented soldier with a huge personality. To spend time on exercise, in barracks or on operations with him was to undergo a master class in armoured infantry soldiering as his passion, professionalism and knowledge shone through at every opportunity. He epitomised the moral and physical courage which drives everything we do. Utterly trusted by those around him, he was a source of honest, robust and reliable advice to a long line of officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers who had the privilege to serve with him. He was a mentor, teacher and example to all those who worked for him. He lived his personal life as he did his private life – always seeking new opportunities, new thoughts and utterly dedicated to his family. He has left a mark on all of us which will not be removed and the whole of C Company will miss him profoundly. Our deepest sympathies go out to Emma, James and William."

Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Euan Philbin, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Manoeuvre Battle Group, said: "I was fortunate enough to work with WO2 Ian Fisher during Herrick 14 and more recently on Herrick 19. He worked with the 4 SCOTS Battle Group in Canada last year and was a critical member of the team. ‘Fish’ was an outstanding warrant officer who displayed a thorough understanding of his trade, a high level of experience and professional pride. He balanced this with an ability to mentor those less experienced around him; which made him the leader and soldier that he was. His talent and ability were clear; he would often be sought out by commanders at all levels for his valued opinion and thoughts which he would happily provide, often with a tint of dark humour. I feel privileged to have worked with him and to have had him on the team on more than one occasion. My thoughts are with A Company, the battalion, the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess and, more importantly, his family at this very difficult time."

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Fisher. It is clear from the tributes from his colleagues that he was an exemplary soldier who made a huge contribution to the Army over many years, on a number of operational tours. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends."

Private Gareth Leslie William Bellingham died in Afghanistan  on 21 November 1988.

Service Number: 30022083

Born on 21 November 1988 he was aged 22.
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He is laid to rest in Newcastle Cemetery, Cemetery Lodge, Lyme Wood Grove, Newcaste-under-Lyme. Grave Number 16704.


MOD Statement:

​Private Gareth Leslie William Bellingham, from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North), was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 18 June 2011.

Private Gareth Bellingham deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011 as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North), commanded by the Danish Battle Group.

On the morning of 18 June 2011, Private Bellingham deployed with C Company, Tactical Headquarters, and Number 3 Tolay (Afghan National Army) to an area near Khar Nikar in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand province.

The Company Group was conducting a patrol to assess the situation on the ground and meet with the local population who had recently returned to compounds in the area.

During the patrol, a local Afghan was injured by an improvised explosive device. As C Company were providing security, insurgents fired upon the patrol and Private Bellingham was fatally wounded.
Private Gareth Bellingham, from Stoke-on-Trent, was born on 21 November 1988. He enlisted in the Army in October 2007 and attended the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, before joining 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords).

He completed the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle Gunnery, Driving and Maintenance Courses in quick succession, and soon became his company’s best Warrior Gunner.

A man with considerable driving experience, he undertook conversion training to operate Husky and Jackal vehicles prior to deployment to Afghanistan. It was in the light infantry role though that he excelled; his experience, determination and personality inspiring all those around him.

Private Bellingham will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.
Leslie and Suzanne, Gareth’s proud parents, said: "Gareth died doing the job he loved and we are all proud of the job he did. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and all those who knew him. Rest in peace."

Lieutenant Colonel Giles Woodhouse, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: "Private Bellingham’s untimely death is a tragic loss to the battalion. He was an extremely hardworking and committed warrior who was wholly respected by his peers and chain of command alike. Team-spirited, and with great common sense and humour, he was a pillar of strength in C Company. Private Bellingham was one of those soldiers that you had to have in your section; fearless, utterly professional, a prankster and a loyal friend who never let you down - quite simply he was a force for good. Observing Private Bellingham before deploying on a patrol with his Afghan Army partners, with whom he had developed a genuine affinity, I can understand why they fought so hard to save him when he was mortally wounded. That his death has affected our partners as deeply, as it has all the soldiers from the battalion, is testament to the high esteem in which he was held.The world will be that little bit emptier now without him. Our thoughts go out to his family at this devastating time."

Colonel Jens Riis-Vestergaard, Commanding Officer. Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North), said: "Private Bellingham was an exemplar of the counter-insurgent soldier that works in the Nahr-e Saraj (North) area of operations. His conduct, professionalism, confidence and good nature helped reassure and protect a population in harm’s way. The Afghan Army Tolay that he worked with thought so highly of him that several, in turn, refused to leave him when struck, considering him ‘one of theirs’ after just two months of fighting together. Typical of his unit, fighting to keep others safe, he was an excellent soldier who will be desperately missed by all in Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North).

Major Alex McKay, Officer Commanding C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Private Bellingham died a warrior. A tough, mature and dedicated soldier, he was loved by C Company and deeply respected by the Afghan Tolay we partner. Having worked closely with the Afghan National Army since our arrival in Afghanistan - mentoring, leading, and inspiring their soldiers - it should not be a surprise that, on the day that he died, he was at the tip of the C Company Group spear. One of the furthest forward of our soldiers, he had positioned himself to guard another group working to his rear when they and he were attacked; an act of selflessness typical of him. Private Bellingham’s respect for others, professionalism, calmness under fire, and good humour despite the odds, were an example to us all. A soldier with huge potential, his performance in Afghanistan through a series of contacts with the enemy was exemplary. More impressive, though, was his willingness to bond with Afghan soldiers, and protect local nationals, despite the obvious and significant risk. We and his friends grieve for a man that will never be forgotten. The thoughts of all soldiers and officers in the Khar Nikar area of operations are with his family and friends at this most testing of times.”
Captain Mathew Hickmott, 3rd Tolay, 3rd Kandak, Afghan National Army Advisor, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “It was a privilege to work with Private Bellingham for the few months that I did. He was a key character in his section and could be relied upon to get anything done. He grumbled often, in the way that soldiers do, but was proud that he was the point man and wouldn’t have had it any other way. ‘Bell’ was an instantly likeable character who will be sorely missed by all.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 Dougie Thomson, Company Sergeant Major, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Private Bellingham was a true warrior, my warrior. He had strength in abundance, and the courage of a pride of lions. Bell was a practical joker who made everybody laugh. When the troops were low on morale, he brought a smile to their faces, especially mine. We will remember you forever in our thoughts, ‘Youth’.”

Colour Sergeant Mark Walker, 3rd Tolay, 3rd Kandak, Afghan National Army Advisor, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Volunteers), said: “As soon as I met Bell I felt as if I knew him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and could make friends in an empty room. Even though the Afghan National Army and Bell didn’t speak the same language, they instantly liked him due to the sheer force of his personality. When he was injured they fought to save him just as hard as his British colleagues. “

Lance Corporal Rob Davis, Section Commander, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Bell, as we sometimes called him, was the morale within our section. He was never afraid to tell anyone ‘how it was’ and was the life and soul of the party. He could go out on a weekend by himself and make friends along the way. His first words on a Monday morning were ‘now let me tell you about my weekend’. He was always whinging, but in a way that always cracked us up. He was a top bloke and a good soldier.”

Private Matt Southall, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Bell loved to travel, and he loved to drive; the number of driving courses he did proves this. He loved being the lead man, but he loved moaning about it even more. He was a great soldier and a great friend.”

Private Wayne Adams, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Bell loved a laugh and he loved Stoke City. He’d go to a game whenever he could, and if he couldn’t, he’d find a bar and support long distance. He was really close to his Dad, Les, and our thoughts go out to him at this time.”

Private Michael Bradley, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “Bell loved a laugh and was always up for a good time. He was a top bloke and I’ll miss him.”
All of 8 Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), said: “We have lost more than a warrior, but a good friend who brought morale to us all in many ways. You influenced many of us in the section and 8 Platoon. When you were taken away from us you took a piece of us all. You leave us though, not with sadness but heart, determination and true courage. Rest in peace Gareth, always remembered but never forgotten by the lads of 8 Platoon. Watch over us.”

Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said: “It is clear from the tributes of his colleagues that Private Bellingham was a proud and dedicated soldier who won the respect and friendship of the Afghan security forces he worked with. He made the ultimate sacrifice to bring security to many, both in the UK and in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”