Wednesday, March 24, 2010

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."

12 comments:

  1. R.I.P Sgt Campbell - you paid the ultimate price: Prayers and thoughts are with your family, friends and Colleagues. God Bless You All x

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  2. missing you so much steven! you were a gr8 nephew, loving son to your mam and dad steven and linda cockburn, and proud brother of stuart.
    you live life to the full, an have certainly died regretted,their is now a huge whole in my life
    love from uncle paul, aunty michelle and cousin daniel

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  3. my heart falls inline with paul,
    i cant express my feelings here,
    you were my favorite
    and ime so proud of you
    Ernie

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  4. I only met you once, but I remember every moment we spent with you. I feel blessed to have had that chance to encounter your astounding spirit, kindness and love. You are truly a bright light in the world. Peace. x

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  5. sgt campbell the day i heard you had gone my heart dropped u got me through my traing at catterick and with out you i would have left u told me to keep going you siad how bright i was and how i was ment for the job u where a great character and we will miss you dearly x

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  6. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110450492325921

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  7. Sgt Campbell you took me through my basic training you were my section commander when i first started at AFC Harrogate in 2004. You taught me a lot and i am ever grateful you set me in an amazing foothole for the continueing training i had to go before making it to my own regiment.
    My family still remember meeting you when i first started my traing and along with me were deeply saddend to hear the news of your death. It is without a doubt that you will be sorely missed not only by the men you trained and served with but most importantly your family and friends and so it is with them that all of my thoughts remain.

    Truly sorry and Thank you
    Posh Scotsman x

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  8. HI COCKY, BEEN THINKING OF YOU A LOT YESTERDAY, I STILL SHED A TEAR EVERYDAY OVER YOU, STILL CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT WITH US, YOU MADE ME LAUGH SO MUCH WITH YOUR CHEEKY SENSE OF HUMOUR AND THAT SMILE, GOOD NIGHT AND SEE YOU SOON XXX

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  9. Hiya sexy Serjeant Steven CAMPBELL, its nearly 6 months since you were taken away from your TRUE family the CAMPBELL's, we love and miss you soo much Steven. Your son Brandon is the double of you and is growing up to be like you in everyway.
    See you soon sexy and make sure you are looking after our 2 babies up there in heaven,

    love and miss you xxxxx

    love from your wife Lisa xxxxxxx

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  10. Love and miss you so much bro, there isn't a day soes by without us speaking or thinking about you. Your fav sis xxxxxx

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  11. Serjeant Steven CAMPBELL, my brother, my hero. Love you always Steven, your fav sis xxxxx

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