Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh killed in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Sergeant Dave Greenhalgh, from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 13 February 2010.

Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh, aged 25, died instantly when his vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device.

His Section was providing safe passage for a patrol near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province.

Lance Sergeant Dave Greenhalgh

Lance Sergeant Dave Greenhalgh was from Ilkeston, Derbyshire. He joined the Army in 2001 and had served on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He took part in Op FRESCO during the Fire Service strikes and has spent time training in the Falkland Islands and Kenya.

He was an experienced and dedicated soldier who had risen rapidly through the ranks. He had completed a vast array of courses qualifying him in almost every aspect of infantry soldiering. He was a Search Team Commander, a driver of almost every military vehicle, a Tactical Questioner, trained in psychological operations and keen to learn the local language.

Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh was a confident young man with a booming voice who was very definitely set out to be a commander. Enthusiastic and professional, he drew well on his experiences to teach those under his command.

From the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace to the Green Zone of Helmand Province he was always a fine example to all those around him. His distinctive look of shaved head and bushy moustache was well known to all nationalities in the Forward Operating Bases and his strength of character left a lasting impression.

A proud Englishman, his array of tattoos displayed his unquestioned loyalty to family, regiment and country. He will certainly be remembered for his big pick up truck and the 80s music that would be heard blasting out! When on leave he enjoyed spending time on his farm and SCUBA diving, which he learnt in Kenya with the Army.

Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh was one of the stalwarts of The Queen's Company and will be sorely missed by all, and never forgotten.

The Company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2, Steve Williams, said:

"Losing Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh is a massive blow to the Sovereign's Company. Not only will the Company, Platoon and Team miss him, our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. The Grenadier Guards have lost a fantastic soldier. Professional, diligent and courageous to the end.

"I have known Dave for many years and his attitude and approach to soldiering was a gleaming example to all, young and old. We as a Company and especially a Sergeants' Mess will miss you Dave."