It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Daniel Read from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, part of the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 11 January 2010.
Captain Daniel Read was killed as a result of an explosion which happened in the Musa Qaleh area of northern Helmand province.
Captain Daniel Read
Captain Dan Read deployed on Operation HERRICK 11 as a High Threat Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Disposal Operator.
He was born in Kent in December 1978 and was 31 years old when he was tragically killed in an IED blast whilst he was on task supporting Battle Group (North West).
Having completed his GCSEs at Rainham Mark Grammar School, Captain Read joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1996 as a Sapper. He was posted to 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) and got his first taste of EOD operations on Op FINGAL in 2002 when he deployed as a Search Team Second-in-Command. From this point on, Captain Read was 'hooked' on EOD and knew the only job for him was that of an Ammunition Technical Officer or 'ATO'.
When he returned from the tour, Captain Read applied for a commission in the Royal Logistic Corps; he was successful and he completed his course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in December 2004.
Captain Read was commissioned into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)and was posted to 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC as a Troop Commander in April 2005. Typically, he could not sit still and his zest and enthusiasm inspired him to complete the All Arms Commando Course and a tour of Afghanistan in 2006.
Captain Read's passion for EOD operations had not deteriorated and at the first opportunity he volunteered for the Ammunition Technical Officers' Course which he completed in May 2008 and was posted to 821 EOD Squadron, 11 EOD Regiment RLC.
In August 2009 he passed the high threat operator course and immediately began the pre-deployment training for Op HERRICK 11.
Captain Read was an experienced operator. He attended 21 tasks in Afghanistan, and had already dealt with 32 IEDs. Captain Read was passionate about his role as a High Threat Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Operator, always displaying a boundless enthusiasm and energy for the tasks he undertook.
Captain Read leaves his wife Lorraine, parents and sisters behind. Our thoughts and prayers will hopefully provide some solace at this time and help them through this tragic loss.
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."
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Rest in Peace you brave brave soul.
ReplyDeleteTo perform his role you would have to be a very special person and he must have been both loyal and brave. As a country we do not deserve to have such fantastic soldiers and must be humbled by these outstanding guys and girls.
ReplyDeleteI hope he is watching over his family and friends
and they eventually find some peace and comfort.
Having had the priveledge of serving with such a leader of men, I feel nothing but pride to say I did so! Dan U were a legend, a soldier and the best officer I have ever worked with. May you rest in peace.
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