scouserdave
03-15-2007, 07:21 AM
source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=tributes-to-murdered-mersey-commando&method=full&objectid=18751535&siteid=50061-name_page.html)
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/mar2007/1/5/37BA965D-C697-4C49-200CBFFAFBD9D4AE.jpgTO HIS fellow commandos he was a living legend whose death has left them broken-hearted.
Warrant officer Mick Smith embodied everything his colleagues believe a soldier should be.
Today, military websites were full of tributes to the Hunts Cross soldier who died in a grenade attack on his base in Sangin, Afghanistan, last week.
The 39-year-old’s body was flown back to the UK on Monday after a brief ceremony by his regiment, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
His funeral is expected to take place next week.
Sgt Major Smith had 22 years of military service experience and colleagues said he had been recently considering retirement.
He had been injured two days before he was killed, but opted to stay on duty.
One message on the website commandogunner.co.uk was posted by Ian Lyden, writing from Kabul, Afghanistan.
It read: ”A fine soldier and a fine man. An honour to have known you, a bigger honour to have called you a friend.”
The sister of Sgt-Maj Smith’s girlfriend Hayley, says: “I was with her when she received the horrific news and since then Mick’s mum, dad, brother and sisters have taken her under their wing.
“He was such a fantastic person, I am glad our paths have crossed. You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you, keep safe now Mick.”
Another message from Army colleague JJ Healy, says: “You’re a big lad who lived an even bigger life. You’re a tribute to the commando ethos and I am very proud to have known and served with you.
“To all the people who knew you the best, our lives will now be a little emptier without you in them.”
Gareth Tichopad, a commando who was trained by Sgt-Maj Smith, wrote, “I remember joining 29 at the age of 17 and having to endure six weeks of conditioning training in Canada from you!!!!.
“The hardest time but the best time of my career.
“I always looked up to you Mick and always will. You are a legend.”
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/mar2007/1/5/37BA965D-C697-4C49-200CBFFAFBD9D4AE.jpgTO HIS fellow commandos he was a living legend whose death has left them broken-hearted.
Warrant officer Mick Smith embodied everything his colleagues believe a soldier should be.
Today, military websites were full of tributes to the Hunts Cross soldier who died in a grenade attack on his base in Sangin, Afghanistan, last week.
The 39-year-old’s body was flown back to the UK on Monday after a brief ceremony by his regiment, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
His funeral is expected to take place next week.
Sgt Major Smith had 22 years of military service experience and colleagues said he had been recently considering retirement.
He had been injured two days before he was killed, but opted to stay on duty.
One message on the website commandogunner.co.uk was posted by Ian Lyden, writing from Kabul, Afghanistan.
It read: ”A fine soldier and a fine man. An honour to have known you, a bigger honour to have called you a friend.”
The sister of Sgt-Maj Smith’s girlfriend Hayley, says: “I was with her when she received the horrific news and since then Mick’s mum, dad, brother and sisters have taken her under their wing.
“He was such a fantastic person, I am glad our paths have crossed. You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you, keep safe now Mick.”
Another message from Army colleague JJ Healy, says: “You’re a big lad who lived an even bigger life. You’re a tribute to the commando ethos and I am very proud to have known and served with you.
“To all the people who knew you the best, our lives will now be a little emptier without you in them.”
Gareth Tichopad, a commando who was trained by Sgt-Maj Smith, wrote, “I remember joining 29 at the age of 17 and having to endure six weeks of conditioning training in Canada from you!!!!.
“The hardest time but the best time of my career.
“I always looked up to you Mick and always will. You are a legend.”