Captain Driver died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak Hospital as a result of wounds sustained in an explosion which occurred in the Musa Qal'ah district of Helmand province on the morning of 21 February 2010.
Captain Martin Driver
Captain Martin Driver, aged 31, originally from Barnsley, commissioned into 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, 'The Vikings', on 16 December 2006.
He had previously served in 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA), a TA unit, while at university and deployed during this time on operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.
Having completed the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 in 2007.
After two years commanding his platoon he was posted to study Arabic at the Defence School of Languages in Beaconsfield and promoted to Captain. He returned to 'The Vikings' as the Second-in-Command of A (Norfolk) Company.
It was in this role that he deployed to Afghanistan for the second time in October 2009 with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, and was Acting Company Commander when he was tragically injured by an improvised explosive device blast whilst on patrol in Musa Qal'ah, resulting in his death in Selly Oak Hospital this week.
Captain Driver's family made the following statement:
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Martin. He was such a caring young man who always put his family first. He touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. He died doing a job he loved. His dedication and professionalism will remain an inspiration to all.
"Martin always wanted to be a soldier and an officer he became, a Captain of the Vikings, 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. We are so proud of his efforts. His legacy shall never be forgotten. He has touched so many with his love and compassion. We as his family, like others, shall always keep him in our hearts.
"Martin leaves behind his beautiful partner Johanna, mother and father, and twin brother.
"We are so grateful for the efforts of the Medical Teams in Afghanistan who brought Martin home, as he promised us he would. We would also like to thank the staff of Selly Oak Hospital Critical Care Unit, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, and all of the Surgical Teams who worked so valiantly for Martin during the last three weeks.
"He died peacefully at 11 minutes past 11pm on the 15th of March 2010. We will never forget our Airborne Viking Brother Martin. God bless him."
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So very sad. Our love and hearts go out to his family. Keith & Jean Elvin Monk Bretton Barnsley
ReplyDeleteRIP AIRBOURNE
ReplyDeleteR.I.P
ReplyDeleteHow awful for him, his family and friends. To be so long in hospital they must have had hope he would be okay. That's so sad. Not that however he died wouldn't have been. Thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Shocking.......I went to school with a Driver family, brings it home, but a brave and courageous man, and a family that not only grieves but feels immense pride. Liz, Barnsley
ReplyDeleteI can only emagine what my old school pal Mr John Driver and his family are going through at the sad loss of their brave son Captain Martin Driver, my heart goes out to them. They must be very proud of their son and we are thinking of them all the time.
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Alan Curtis ex Army Catering Corps (and family)
God bless you Martin, I loved getting up to mischief when we were little comrades. There is a picture of us on my bedroom wall as kids... seeing your picture again was terribly sad but made me feel extremely proud. What an awful waste of a young and beatiful life. Say aye up to Granddad and Grandma Driver for me and Uncle Peter and Auntie Anna. Rest in peace my love and keep close to David. My thoughts are with you, the rest of your family and your girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteClaire Driver
xxx xxx xxx
God Bless you Martin (RIP)
ReplyDeletefrom a fellow ex 4 Para Guy
The thoughts of all in A & E at CRH are with David , at this sad time .. we are proud of you too...
ReplyDeleteOur heartfelt condolences from Davids colleagues , and many friends in A & E at CRH ...we were all devastated by the terrible news and are thinking of you often...you are our hero too..
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to know have known Marty for more than 10 years. We met in 4 Para back in 2000. My only regret is not to have had one last catch up over a pitcher of beer or 2 with Tom, just like the 1st time 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteABTID
TTFN