Private Nathan Cuthbertson, 2nd Bn the Parachute Regiment

[SO19]

Privates Nathan Cuthbertson, Daniel Gamble and Charles Murray killed in Afghanistan
A Military Operations news article

9 Jun 08

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Private Nathan Cuthbertson, Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles Murray of 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (2PARA) on Sunday 8 June 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

At approximately 1100 hours local time, the soldiers were on a routine foot patrol 1km west of their Forward Operating Base in the Upper Sangin Valley, when their patrol suffered a suicide explosive device.

Following their deaths the Commanding Officer of 2 PARA, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O'Sullivan, paid the following tribute:

"Today Private Nathan Cuthbertson, Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles Murray were wounded by a suicide bomber near Forward Operating Base INKERMAN, and despite the best efforts of the medics on the ground and at the hospital in Camp Bastion they could not be saved.

"They died doing their duty and doing their best, taking care with a potential threat, but also understanding the importance of connecting to the people around them. All three had been in Afghanistan for two months and had already experienced physically draining patrols in the high heat of the Afghan Summer, combat with the Taliban, and the danger which is inescapable in our part of Helmand.

"They tested themselves to join the Parachute Regiment and they welcomed the challenge of operations. They knew the risks, and in facing them today as they had done every day before, they demonstrated the clear, cold courage which is the hallmark of their comrades and their Regiment.

"We will all take some time to think about them, and we salute them as brave young men, but our thoughts are also with their families who bear the greatest burden of their loss. We will turn to our job again and continue the relentless pressure on the Taliban in this valley, which in time will create space for a better life for the people here.

"When our job in Helmand is completed we will return home and honour them as members of 2 PARA who have given their all for their friends, their Regiment and the difficult task they faced. We will remember what they have done and the life that they have given, and what we achieve here will be their memorial."

Private Nathan Cuthbertson

Private Nathan Cuthbertson was serving as a Machine Gunner and Infantry Assault Engineer with 4 Platoon, B Company 2 PARA when he was killed in action by a suicide device in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan.



Private Cuthbertson, aged 19, was born in Sunderland on 5 January 1989. He began his military career aged just 16. Having left school he chose not to wait until he was old enough for adult service and attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate in October 2005. Whilst at the Army Foundation College he stood out as a soldier and chose to join the Parachute Regiment. Upon completing his initial training he moved on to the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed his basic training and passed the physically demanding Pre Parachute Selection, P Company.

Once he had earned his military parachute wings he joined 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment in December 2006. With typical energy and drive he quickly embraced the spirit of the regiment and in under a year had undertaken and passed the technically challenging Infantry Assault Engineers course, usually reserved for more experienced soldiers.

During pre deployment training and deployment to Afghanistan he again excelled operating the platoon's specialist weapon, the general purpose machine gun. He handled the responsibility with characteristic aplomb and was hugely proud to be the section gunner.
Rarely seen without a smile, he could be depended upon to cheer up the platoon, even in the most adverse conditions from the Northumberland rain of pre deployment training to the heat of the Afghan summer.

His Company Commander, Major Russell Lewis said:

"Pte Cuthbertson was an incredibly popular member of the Company. A talented, motivated individual he always had a smile on his face and relished the challenges faced by the professional soldier. His humour and morale was infectious and he was widely liked and respected. His loss will be sorely felt by his friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

4 Platoon Commander, Lieutenant David True said:

"Private Cuthbertson loved his platoon and worked tirelessly on its behalf, nowhere more so than in Afghanistan. When volunteers were required, his was always the first hand to go up. He was a brilliant soldier and a great man. He will be greatly missed."

Sergeant Wayne Sykes who trained him and later became his Platoon Sergeant said:

"I was also Private's Cuthbertson's Section Commander during his basic training, from my time there and also in 2 PARA one of the things what really stood out, was that you could always rely on him to get the job done. He never moaned about anything, he just cracked on. He was always happy and never took life too seriously. He was a great member of the platoon."

Assault Engineer Section Commander, Corporal David Baillie said:

"I don't think I ever heard "Cuthy" complain once. He was like a work horse, carrying out any task he was given straight away and without fault. Always ready for "a brew" and a cigarette, Cuthy was a great bloke and will be sorely missed in the platoon."

Second in command of his section, Lance Corporal Alan Farmer said:

'''Nathe' was a tremendous character within the section, he always worked hard for everyone and was an essential part of the platoon. He never complained and always did everything to the best of his ability. Put simply, he was a mega bloke."

Friend and colleague Private Lewis Barlow said:

"Private Cuthbertson, 'Cuthy', was an extremely good soldier and one of my closest "muckers" being a room mate of mine in the battalion and a fellow Assault Engineer. 'Cuthy' was exceptionally fit and a typical paratrooper, a good gunner and a good friend. He will be sadly missed, my thoughts go to his family and friends."

His best friend Private Lee Cunliffe spoke of their time together through their training and career:

"'Cuthy' and I started AFC Harrogate at the age of 16 together. We both got put into the same company, 'Cambrai Company'. After our time there we passed out and moved into the same platoon at Catterick. Here we got to know each other very well, living amongst each other, training together and having a laugh at night when we had downtime.

"I remember on P Company he would always be at the front of the TABs, or helping keep someone else going. When we joined 2 PARA we were put into the same platoon and shared a room together. We became the best of friends. When we went to Brize Norton to do our parachute 'jumps' course, we shared the same room there as well. I can remember on our first jump he was on the starboard side of the plane and I was on the port. We were both to be the first ones out of the door on either side. I remember we both looked at each other and he laughed and shouted 'Yehaa!'

"He was always up for a laugh. I am truly sorry and gutted about what has happened to him out here, I have lost my best friend. He was an excellent soldier and man. I will never forget him and the good times we had together."

Nathan's parents, Tom and Carla, said:

"Nathan realised his childhood dream by following his Dad's footsteps and joining the Parachute Regiment as a machine gunner. He died a hero, doing a job he loved among his friends."

"Nathan had a real passion for life; he always had a smile and was quick to make friends. Football, socialising and girls were his hobbies and he was never far away from any of them.

"A dearly loved and devoted son, brother, grandson and friend to all who had the privilege of meeting him, his death will leave a massive hole in all our lives. We will not forget him"

On learning of the deaths of the three soldiers yesterday, Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said:

"It is with both a sense of deep sadness and pride that I have reflected on these most recent British deaths in Afghanistan, and as the Chief of the Defence Staff I would like to say a few words.

"As you know, 100 brave and professional servicemen have now died in Afghanistan. They laid their lives down for their country and their comrades.

"Every one of those deaths is a tragedy. Nothing can ever compensate for the loss felt by their loved ones and to them all I extend my deepest sympathies.

"I only hope that the terrible hardship that they have been asked to bear can be eased by the certainty that in Afghanistan our forces are engaged in a most worthy and noble endeavour. And they are making good progress.

"Right across the country, the international effort is beginning to affect real change. Ordinary Afghans face immense hardships but bit by bit life is improving. In parts of Afghanistan which were once lawless, there is now governance and rule of law. Across the country, more than seven million children are now in school and increasing numbers of people have access to healthcare.

"Nowhere is the battle for the future of Afghanistan more pressing than in Helmand, the focus of the British effort, where UK forces have magnificently taken the fight to the Taliban and put them on the back-foot. Make no mistake, the Taliban influence is waning, and through British blood, determination and grit, a window of opportunity has been opened.

"The international community is starting to grasp this opportunity, and throughout the province the indications are promising, with the green shoots of development emerging from Musa Qala in the north of the Sangin Valley to Garmsir in the south. But much of this progress could quickly unravel without a continuing and energised international commitment.

"Our Armed Forces are resolute in doing what their country asks of them. These deaths, though hard to bear, remind us all of the extraordinary sacrifices they and their families make on our behalf – and of the price of failure if we falter in Afghanistan. We continue to owe them a great debt of gratitude."

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, said:

"I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the family, comrades and friends of the three soldiers killed in Afghanistan this weekend. My thoughts at this time are also with the loved ones of each and every one of the 100 courageous members of the British Armed Forces who have now lost their lives in Afghanistan. They gave their lives securing freedom and stability, not just for the people of Afghanistan but, as the tragic events of 9/11 showed, for all of us. We will never forget them.

"Every visitor to our forces in Afghanistan comes back with the same sense of awe and admiration for the courage, professionalism and dedication of the remarkable young men and women serving out there. As a nation we have always been supremely proud of our Armed Forces, and with considerable justification. Quite simply they exemplify the very best qualities of the human spirit.

"Their effect on Southern Afghanistan in the last two years has been remarkable. They have transformed the heartland of the Taliban from an area of lawless oppression and terrorism to a place of democracy and development. We must never forget that this extraordinary achievement, which makes us all safer from the scourge of terrorism, has come at a very significant cost to our brave servicemen and women, their families and friends."

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... nistan.htm

[SO19]

My sincere condolences to all of Nathan's family & friends.

Rest in Peace Nathe' mate.

Every man an Emperor

[Pilgrim Norway]

Private Cuthbertson, aged 19

Rest well canny lad - Thank you Nathan

[anglo-saxon]

Full of promise. A sad loss indeed. Rest easy!

[tom163]

Rest Easy

[SandyTheGuvnor]

I was at Nathans funeral today and the turn out was incredible, a full church and 100s outside watching on a big screen.

[just_me]

That's good to hear, I don't think there's enough respect for the forces here in the UK.

[SO19]

Watching it on Sky the turn out was really impressive.

[SandyTheGuvnor]

Here is the tribute video that was played at the wake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY_xF8M07pk