MARTIN DRIVERCaptain Martin Driver from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment died of wounds sustained in Afghanistan at Selly Oak Hospital on 15 March, 2010.The 31-year-old from Barnsley was hurt in an explosion in Musa Qal'ah on 21 February.Captain Driver's family made the following statement: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Martin. He was such a caring young man who always put his family first. He touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. He died doing a job he loved. His dedication and professionalism will remain an inspiration to all."Martin always wanted to be a soldier and an officer he became, a Captain of the Vikings, 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. We are so proud of his efforts. His legacy shall never be forgotten. He has touched so many with his love and compassion. We as his family, like others, shall always keep him in our hearts."Martin leaves behind his beautiful partner Johanna, mother and father, and twin brother."We are so grateful for the efforts of the Medical Teams in Afghanistan who brought Martin home, as he promised us he would. We would also like to thank the staff of Selly Oak Hospital Critical Care Unit, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, and all of the Surgical Teams who worked so valiantly for Martin during the last three weeks."He died peacefully at 11 minutes past 11pm on the 15th of March 2010. We will never forget our Airborne Viking Brother Martin. God bless him."He was commissioned into 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, 'The Vikings', in December 2006.He had previously served in 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, a Territorial Army unit, while at university and deployed during this time on operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.Having completed the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 in 2007.After two years commanding his platoon he was posted to study Arabic at the Defence School of Languages in Beaconsfield and promoted to Captain. He returned to 'The Vikings' as the Second-in-Command of A (Norfolk) Company.It was in this role that he deployed to Afghanistan for the second time in October 2009 with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group.He was Acting Company Commander when he was tragically injured by an improvised explosive device blast whilst on patrol in Musa Qal'ah.Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: "He was one of the strongest Captains in the battalion and showed the potential to achieve great things in the Army."He was a superb infantryman and an even better officer. He had a coolness about him - people naturally followed.“Intelligen t, driven, outstandingly fit and with grit and gravitas - he was planning to attempt Special Forces selection this summer and few in the battalion expected him to return."Martin was a popular and utterly decent man and he will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched. He has given his life in the service of his friends in the battalion, for the Royal Anglian Regiment, for his country, and for the people of Afghanistan.”
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