JOHN MCDERMIDCaptain John McDermid, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, who died in Afghanistan on 14 November, 2007, was a committed and lifelong soldier and officer with a strong belief in his work.
Capt McDermid was serving with the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, inHelmand Province when he was killed by a bomb blast. He was leading a joint UK and Afghan National Army patrol in the district of Sangin when a hidden improvised explosive was detonated beneath the spot where he stood, killing him instantly. An interpreter was severely injured in the blast.
John McDermid was born in Glasgow in 1964. He joined the Army at 19 and rose quickly through the ranks, eventually becoming an officer in 2004. In a distinguished career he served in Berlin, Canada, Kenya, Cyprus, Belize and Northern Ireland, as well as UN and NATO tours in Bosnia and Kosovo.
He was briefly leader of the Regimental Recruiting Team for the Royal Highland Fusiliers and later became Unit Welfare Officer, overseeing his battalion’s move from Cyprus to Glencorse in Edinburgh. In 2007 he began working at Sandhurst military academy but volunteered for operational service in Afghanistan in September.
As a member of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, he was helping train the Afghan National Army, mentoring their officers and developing their leadership skills.
Capt McDermid left behind his wife Gill and their three children. His family released a statement that spoke about their devastation: "John was such an important part of our lives and his death has left a void that can never be filled. Everyone who knew John knew how loving, dedicated, strong, hilarious and truly wonderful he was."
Although he was described as a dedicated family man, Capt McDermid was also known for his enormous sense of duty. "Captain John McDermid represented everything that is special about both the Army and The Royal Highland Fusiliers," Royal Highland Fusiliers commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Harkness said.
"His 21 years service as a soldier was notable for its professionalism, commitment and loyalty. His exceptional qualities led to him being commissioned into the regiment that he loved and into which he had devoted so much of his time and energy."
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey of 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "Captain John McDermid was an exceptional soldier, officer and man…His command in Sangin was simply inspirational. His loss is a heavy blow to us all. We have lost a good comrade and an outstanding officer. He will be sorely missed, but we take great strength from his friendship, his example and his determination to make a difference for the people of Afghanistan."
His close friend, Captain Ekbahadur ‘Ek' Gurung, of 36 Engineer Regiment, said: "He was absolutely dedicated to his family and children. His pictures and stories reflected his love for his family. His knowledge of the infantry role and tactics was first class. We will miss the compassion that he showed to every one regardless of rank."
Sergeant Whelan of the Combat Support Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, said: "Foremost we knew him as a strong soldier who enjoyed commanding us. He believed what we were doing in Afghanistan was right and gave up his desk job to be here. He spoke a lot about his family and was most proud last week that his son was in a military cadet parade in his kit and couldn't wait to see the photos. He had a strong bond with his men and with the Afghan National Army, who like us, are heartbroken at the events."
Defence Secretary Des Browne said the British people owed Capt McDermid a "debt of gratitude, both for the important work he volunteered to do in Afghanistan and for his many years of service in The Royal Highland Fusiliers."
Capt McDermid is pictured with his wife Gill.
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