DOUGLAS DALZELLLieutenant Douglas Dalzell from 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, 18 February, 2010 - which was his 27th birthday.Lt Dalzell, known as Dougie, came from Hamstead Marshall, near Newbury,in Berkshire.He was serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) and was killed by a bomb blast in the Babaji area of Nahr-e Saraj in central Helmand.Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield,said: "He was involved in operations as part of Operation Moshtarak toclear insurgents to the south west of Patrol Base 4 in the Babaji areaof Nahr-e Saraj in central Helmand so that a checkpoint could be builtand a road laid through the area, thereby bringing enduring security andfreedom of movement to local people."He died in the course of his duty and among his comrades; hiscourage and sacrifice will be remembered."Lieutena nt Dalzell joined the Army in 2007,commissioning into the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in December ofthat year.After passing the Platoon Commanders' Battle Course in April 2008 hearrived in the Battalion, which had just returned from Operation Herrick7. He took over his first Platoon in Number 3 Company and quicklyestablished himself as an extremely capable young officer.With an eye for detail unusual of one so junior, he created trainingopportunities for his soldiers that stood them all in good stead. To fitthis around his duties in London was impressive.In early 2009 Lieutenant Dalzell moved into Number 1 Company to takecommand of Number 2 Platoon and it was with them that he deployed toAfghanistan in October 2009.His Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant John Amer, was killed on 30 November 2009 and Lt Dalzell had to shoulder the burden of losing a close friend as well as an important colleague.The Ministry of Defence said: "His courage and leadership over the past four months have been nothingshort of astonishing and all those around him have been infected by it.To be praised by those that are so notoriously difficult to please is sofitting, for he was liked, trusted and respected by everyone."Lt Dalzell left his parents Anthony and Colette, brother Angus and sisterOlivia.
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