Bob Bacon
02-01-2007, 23:41
http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/poppy.jpgFusilier Stephen Jones was killed in a road traffic accident on the morning of Friday 10th September 2004. He had been on an overnight patrol with his platoon to the north of Al Amarah in Maysan Province, Iraq, where they were involved in the interdiction of the movement of weapons and munitions to be used by the Mahdi Army. Stephen suffered massive trauma to his head, a broken neck and a broken spine. He lost consciousness almost immediately. Despite the outstanding care given by the Company Medic, the Senior Medical Officer and crew of the Immediate Response Team helicopter, Stephen’s injuries were so severe that they could nothing to save him. He died in the aircraft whilst flying to the Field Hospital.http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/StephenJones.gif
Stephen joined the 1st Battalion and A Company in June 2000. Other than a short spell in 2 Platoon, he served with 3 Platoon throughout his service. Although quiet and reserved by nature, Stephen possessed a wonderful sense of humour, a charming personality and a sharp mind. He was quietly determined, supremely fit and a top class soldier. Most importantly, he was utterly reliable and totally honest. His friendship was legendary throughout the Company and Stephen could often be found helping a newly joined Fusilier prepare his equipment or simply making a new member of the Platoon feel at home. Throughout a challenging and dangerous tour in Maysan Province, Stephen displayed personal courage and great professional skill.
Stephen was a talented sportsman. He played soccer with skill and grace and was easily one of the fittest soldiers in the Battalion. During a Basic Personal Fitness Assessment, he was leading the Company on the run by some distance. As such, there was no-one to show him the route and he took a wrong turn. He carried on, ran about 500 metres more than anyone else, turned around, caught up, overtook and still finished in the top handful of runners! This anecdote demonstrates not only his fitness, but his competitive edge, his determination and his sense of fair play. He was a passionate supporter of Manchester United and also maintained a keen interest in the progress of Wrexham and Wales.
Stephen married Zoe in early March 2004, having met her in Shrewsbury whilst the Battalion was based in Tern Hill. His devotion to and love for Zoe was clear for all to see. He could always be found penning a note to her, no matter where he was or what difficult or unpleasant situation he found himself in. The animation in his eye and the enthusiasm in his voice when he spoke about Zoe never failed to touch anyone. His commitment as a husband, partner and friend to Zoe was second to none and a lesson to us all.
Stephen was a warm, respectable, honest, reliable, humorous young man. He is sorely missed.
Sources:
CVW
Y Dddraig Goch 2005
www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.org (http://www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.org)
Stephen joined the 1st Battalion and A Company in June 2000. Other than a short spell in 2 Platoon, he served with 3 Platoon throughout his service. Although quiet and reserved by nature, Stephen possessed a wonderful sense of humour, a charming personality and a sharp mind. He was quietly determined, supremely fit and a top class soldier. Most importantly, he was utterly reliable and totally honest. His friendship was legendary throughout the Company and Stephen could often be found helping a newly joined Fusilier prepare his equipment or simply making a new member of the Platoon feel at home. Throughout a challenging and dangerous tour in Maysan Province, Stephen displayed personal courage and great professional skill.
Stephen was a talented sportsman. He played soccer with skill and grace and was easily one of the fittest soldiers in the Battalion. During a Basic Personal Fitness Assessment, he was leading the Company on the run by some distance. As such, there was no-one to show him the route and he took a wrong turn. He carried on, ran about 500 metres more than anyone else, turned around, caught up, overtook and still finished in the top handful of runners! This anecdote demonstrates not only his fitness, but his competitive edge, his determination and his sense of fair play. He was a passionate supporter of Manchester United and also maintained a keen interest in the progress of Wrexham and Wales.
Stephen married Zoe in early March 2004, having met her in Shrewsbury whilst the Battalion was based in Tern Hill. His devotion to and love for Zoe was clear for all to see. He could always be found penning a note to her, no matter where he was or what difficult or unpleasant situation he found himself in. The animation in his eye and the enthusiasm in his voice when he spoke about Zoe never failed to touch anyone. His commitment as a husband, partner and friend to Zoe was second to none and a lesson to us all.
Stephen was a warm, respectable, honest, reliable, humorous young man. He is sorely missed.
Sources:
CVW
Y Dddraig Goch 2005
www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.org (http://www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.org)