Lance Bombadier Mark Chandler killed in Afghanistan

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Bombadier Mark Chandler from 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 8 June 2010.


Lance Bombadier Chandler was attached to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali and was killed in a small arms fire engagement with insurgent forces in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province

Lance Bombadier Mark Chandler

Lance Bombardier Mark Chandler was aged 32 and from Nailswoth,
Gloucestershire. He joined the Army on 5 January 2004 aged 26 and was posted to M (HQ) Battery 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery based in Hohne, Germany.

Lance Bombardier Chandler deployed to Basra, Iraq on Op TELIC 7 as part of the Commanding Officer’s Rover Group. Professional and conscientious, he was given the trusted position of Commanding Officer’s driver upon his return to Germany, which he held for two years.

His determination, fitness and motivation shone through and he was posted to D Battery as a Fire Support Team assistant, deploying to Canada in June 2009 before commencing pre-deployment training for Op HERRICK 12.

He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010, supporting Anzio Company, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Nad-e Ali. Anzio Company has been operating from Patrol Base Khaamar conducting security and reassurance patrols to the local nationals with both the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army.

Anzio Company has undoubtedly improved the lives of the people of Showal by improving freedom of movement and increasing security.

On 8 June 2010, during a joint patrol with the Afghan National Security Forces to prevent insurgent intimidation of local villagers, Lance Bombardier Chandler was killed in action during a small arms fire engagement with insurgent forces.

Twice Army Luge Champion and accomplished skier, he threw himself into Regimental and Battery life and was always in the centre of the action, be it sport, social or fun. He drew people to him with his sense of adventure and he leaves behind his parents, Mike and Ann, brother Steve and an extensive group of friends who will all feel his loss keenly.

Lance Bombardier Mark Chandler's family said:

"Mark - a son and brother any parent would be proud of. A consummate soldier, a skier, a luger, an athlete and a lover of life. He will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends."

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Williams RHA, Commanding Officer 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said:

"Lance Bombardier Chandler, known to everybody as Chandler 'Bing' was a remarkably talented Junior Non Commissioned Officer, who showed a real grit for soldiering.

"Fit, committed, loyal and a true professional, he was a rising star within the Regiment and had a bright future ahead of him. He was a talented sportsman with a passion for winter sports and represented the army at Luge; not a sport for the faint hearted, which he certainly wasn't.

"He also relished a challenge and this was fulfilled by his move across to the Fire Support Team in D Battery Royal Horse Artillery. The news of Lance Bombardier Chandler's death has rocked the Regiment as he was an immensely popular individual and a great friend to many within the Regiment.

"All members of 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery miss him but I recognise that this sense of loss will be nothing compared to that felt by his parents, Ann and Michael, his brother Steve and his many friends, whose true loss we can only imagine. Our prayers are now for them. We will remember him."

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Squier RA, Commanding Officer 4th Regiment Royal Artillery said:

"Every team needs a Mark Chandler. He was strong, fit, robust and above all, a man of compassion and humility. He was a rock to his mates. For D Battery he was a source of great resolve and he leaves a hole in many of the lads' hearts.

"As a soldier and member of a Fire Support Team I could not have asked for more. He was brave, dependable and a steadying influence. Utterly calm under fire he died on the shoulder of, and supporting his commander; totally selfless to the very end.

"My sincere condolences and thoughts go to Mark's parents Ann and Mike, his brother Steve and his friends at home; their's is the true loss.

Colonel Ian Bell, former Commanding Officer 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said:

"Lance Bombardier Chandler was a good bloke. He was great fun, made the most of everything he did and had a really bright future ahead of him."

Major Adam Wilson RHA, Battery Commander D Battery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said:

"Lance Bombardier Mark Chandler was an exceptional soldier and a true friend to everyone in D Battery Royal Horse Artillery. Known to us as "Bing", he was respected and admired for his unswerving bravery, his professionalism and his absolute commitment to the team and his mates.

"Mark was part of a Fire Support Team and I have been very lucky to get to know him well through a year of training and during our deployment to Afghanistan. He has proven himself in battle time and again. Always cool and calm in contact, he could usually be found next to his Commander with a reassuring grin on his face. He was a man who made you feel that everything would be alright.

"Mark was a talented sportsman and loved motor sport, mountain biking, skiing and sailing - anything that involved going fast.

"He was also the Army Luge champion two years in a row. Mark was a kind, considered "older brother" to the Gunners in my Battery and always at the heart of the social life of “Shiny D”.

"He had an infectious sense of fun and usually a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His death is a devastating loss; we have lost one of our stars and he will always be remembered with great affection.

"I feel extremely privileged to have known him. The thoughts of all ranks of D Battery Royal Horse Artillery are with his family, friends and all those who love him at this very sad time."