Tributes to local soldier killed in Afghanistan
The family of a local soldier massacred by rogue policemen he was helping to train in Afghanistan said he was 'the best father anyone could wish for'.
Warrant Officer First Class Darren Chant was gunned down, along with colleagues Sgt Matthew Telford, Guardsman James Major, Acting Cpl Steven Boote and Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith, as they relaxed after finishing a patrol.
WO1 Chant, of 1st Battalion The Grenadier Gaurds, was a father-of-three whose family live in Lovage Way, Horndean.
A statement pinned up on the front door of the home this morning read:
'The whole world should know Darren Chant was the best father any child could wish for, he adored and lived for his children.
'He strived to be the best at everything he did.
'He was very passionate about the military and believed the British army were doing a good job in Afghanistan.
'He was a first-class soldier, always putting the needs of his men before himself.
'He was always first to volunteer.
'We feel cheated as we know we will never experience his sharp wit and dry sense of humour again.
'This loss has devastated everyone who knew him. He'll be missed and loved forever.'
WO1 Chant, the regimental sergeant major for the Grenadier Guards, was hailed a hero earlier this year for saving a crippled comrade whose legs were blown off by a Taliban bomb.
He leaves his pregnant widow, Nausheen Chant, and three children from a previous marriage, Connor, 16, Adam, 10, and Victoria, eight. Mrs Chant said: "Our unborn son will never meet his father but he will know him through his legacy. For whether in uniform or out, his incomparable courage and selflessness humbled all those who knew and loved him. His famed sense of humour lightened any situation. I will miss my best friend and nothing will fill the void he has left, my darling Darren."
The five soldiers had been on patrol in the Afghan area of Nad-e'Ali and had returned to their police station when the attack happened.
They had reportedly removed their body armour and helmets and were eating their lunch when the renegade policeman, believed to be a secret member of the Taliban, shot them.
Cpl Boote and Cpl Webster-Smith belonged to the Royal Military Police.
Its regimental headquarters is at Southwick Park, near Fareham, where all new recruits are now trained. The RMP headquarters was previously based at barracks in Chichester.
Sgt Telford and Guardsman James Major were colleagues of RSM Chant in the Grenadier Guards.
It was today reported that six other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to the soldiers.
'My thoughts, condolences and sympathies go to their families, loved ones and colleagues,' he said.
He promised to press on with the strategy of training Afghan soldiers and police.
He told the House of Commons: 'It appears that they were targeted because they were engaged in what our enemies fear most – they were mentoring and strengthening Afghan forces to make Afghanistan more secure.'
'The death toll in Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2001 now stands at 229. Top UK, US and Afghan commanders expressed deep regret for the incident and pledged it would be fully investigated.
The British soldiers had been living and working at the police checkpoint for about a fortnight as part of a team mentoring Afghan National Police officers.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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