Serjeant Steven Campbell killed in Afghanistan

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Serjeant Steven Campbell, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 22 March 2010.


Serjeant Campbell, aged 30, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was patrolling with his Platoon around 3km south of Sangin district centre.

Serjeant Steven Campbell

Serjeant Steven Campbell was born in Durham on 9 May 1979. He joined the Army on 28 April 1998 at the age of eighteen, completing phase one training in December that year before joining Second Battalion the Light Infantry.

Serjeant Campbell completed the required courses to be promoted through the ranks to corporal before being posted as an instructor to the Army Foundation College in 2003. In 2005 he returned to the Battalion, now based in Edinburgh.

He passed the Platoon Serjeants Battle Course and was promoted to the rank of Serjeant in October 2006. He worked as a Platoon Serjeant in B Company 3 RIFLES after formation, before again being sent to instruct recruits at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick in 2008.

Serjeant Campbell returned to 3 RIFLES during the Battalion's current deployment to Sangin, in Helmand Province. He was originally sent to B Company to assist the Company Headquarters but on 10 March he was sent to A Company to take on the role of Platoon Serjeant.

He leaves behind his wife Lisa, son Brandon, and his parents.

His family have made the following statement:

"Serjeant Steven Campbell was born on 9 May 1979, he lived in Pelton, Chester le Street in Co Durham. He was a loving husband to Lisa and a loving father to Brandon, and he will be missed by all his family and friends."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer, 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:

"Serjeant Steve Campbell was one of the army's rarest treasures. So positive and energetic, it was truly an honour and a pleasure to know him and to have him with this Battle Group. He returned to the Battalion from Catterick just under two months ago, full of enthusiasm to get stuck in. Initially disappointed with a Headquarters post, he nonetheless happily put his shoulder to the wheel, immediately adding tremendous value.

"When the opportunity arose Serjeant Campbell jumped at the chance to get back out on the ground. A warrior to his core, he was delighted to return to real soldiering, relishing the opportunity to be in the thick of things alongside his fellow Riflemen. It was our good fortune to have such a man to bring his infectious enthusiasm and inspirational leadership to the younger men of a hard-pressed Platoon on the frontline of this most tough fight.

"His boundless energy, positivity and vivacity reinvigorated his men and it is the cruellest of tragedies that he was taken in his prime. Such was his impact, though, that nothing will erase the indelible mark he had made there in just a few days.

"Serjeant Campbell epitomised selfless commitment and everything it means to be a Rifleman. Nothing was too much trouble for him; his needs always came last. He has been held in the highest regard, his memory remains a beacon of light as we continue building on the success to which he has contributed much. Fit, capable and versatile, he was a Commanding Officer's dream, guaranteed to complete any task in any sphere and to do it to the highest standard. He had such a promising future, it is impossible to quantify what this Regiment has lost. He will be sorely missed by us all.

"We take comfort from the fact that he died doing a job he loved, with people who cared deeply for him. He thought of nothing but the welfare of his men, the success of our mission and a better future for this troubled land. His loss is a devastating blow but we shall steel ourselves all the more, remaining true to his exemplary energy and determination. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and son, but also to his wider family, friends and loved ones."