DARREN BONNERBritish soldier Darren Bonner, who was killed on duty in southern Afghanistan on 28 May, 2007, was described as a father-figure to the younger soldiers in his company.
CorporalBonner, lead signaller serving with A (Norfolk) Company Group, 1 Royal Anglian Battlegroup, died as a result of an incident involving an explosive device in the Gereshk region of Helmand Province.
The 31-year-old, from Gorleston in Norfolk, was described by his company commander as a man who had "huge emotional intelligence".
He was one of a group of soldiers travelling in convoy roughly 11km east of Hyderabad in the Gereshk region of Helmand province when an explosion hit the convoy. He became the 57th British soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2001.
Cpl Bonner, who was born in 1976, was engaged and had been intending to buy a home in Great Yarmouth after his tour of duty in the conflict zone, according to the Ministry of Defence.
A devout Christian, he was seen reading the Bible by his friends the night before his death, drawing strength before facing the known dangers of the operation
He joined the Army in 1993 and served with the Regiment’s 2nd Battalion on operational deployments in Northern Ireland and the Balkans. In 2004 he moved across to the 1st Battalion and served as a key member of the Signals Platoon in Iraq in 2006.
Physically impressive, he was a keen weight lifter and night club bouncer in his spare time, but his robust exterior concealed a sensitive compassionate side and a heart of gold.
Cpl Bonner’s Company Commander, Major Dominic Biddick, said: "Corporal Bonner was an incredibly caring and compassionate man. Behind the tattoos and the muscle lay a man with huge emotional intelligence, who provided a real father figure to many of the younger soldiers in A Company.
"Darren will never be forgotten by those of us that soldiered with him. His death is a tragic loss, but one that strengthens our resolve and our determination to succeed."
Sergeant Stuart Rumsey, a fellow Signaller said: "Corporal Daz Bonner was the life and soul of the Company. Professionally talented, no task was beyond his determination to succeed."
Corporal Wayne Cole, another fellow Signaller added. "Daz Bonner was a colourful character, larger than life and an even bigger friend."
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Carver, Commanding Officer 1 R Anglian said: "Corporal Darren Bonner was a superb soldier who had genuine compassion for his fellow men.
"A larger than life character he has been a mainstay of the Battalion for many years and will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues. Our sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time"
Defence Secretary Des Browne added: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Bonner at this very difficult time.
By all accounts, he was a determined and highly professional soldier who looked after those around him. His loss will only strengthen the resolve of our forces to continue their efforts to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan."
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