Tributes to soldier K-I-A in Afghanistan

THE wife of a soldier killed in Afghanistan has paid tribute to a “wonderful father and doting husband”.

Major Sean Birchall, from the Aldershot-based 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed by an explosion while on patrol in Basharan, near Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province on Friday.

Maj Birchall went to school at St Peter’s Catholic Comprehensive in Guildford and later attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

He was leading a routine patrol to deliver supplies and check on his men in the checkpoints around Basharan at around 11pm on June 19.

As the patrol made its way from one checkpoint to another, an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated against the second vehicle, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Despite immediate assistance from the patrol medic, Maj Birchall died as he was being extracted to the helicopter landing site.

One other solider was injured in the incident.

Birthday

Maj Birchall, who would have turned 34 on Tuesday, was commissioned to the Welsh Guards in December 1999. 

He served as a Platoon Commander both on ceremonial duties in London and on exercise in the jungles of Belize.

Maj Birchall was the Officer Commanding Number IX Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. IX Company is based in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand Province

He once led them on a large operation where they worked alongside the Afghan Army to drive the Taleban out of a village called Basharan, which is 10km north-west of Lashkar Gah.

His wife Joanna and a number of colleagues have paid tribute to him.

"Inspiration"

"Sean was a wonderful husband, a doting father and a much-loved son and brother, who cared deeply for his family and friends,” his wife said.

"He has been described as 'devilishly fit, stylish and energetic' and he was so very proud to be a Guards Officer.

"It is the excellence he achieved in every facet of his life that defined Sean. An athlete, an adventurer and an instinctive leader, he was an inspiration to all who knew him.

"He leaves behind his adoring family, the Regiment he loved, and his loyal friends. They will miss him terribly.”

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thornloe, Maj Birchall’s commanding officer, said the battle group was stunned and saddened.

He added: "Sean had all the qualities of the outstanding professional soldier – fitness, coolness under pressure and tactical flair.

"His character was defined by his tremendous and infectious enthusiasm. I do not think he had a negative bone in his body.”