Faces of soldier dads killed by explosion in tank’s turret

TWO soldiers killed by a tank explosion in a live-firing exercise were yesterday named as Corporals Matthew “Hattie” Hatfield and Darren “Daz” Neilson.

Two other soldiers wounded in the 75-ton Challenger 2 tank on Wednesday afternoon were still in a serious condition in hospital last night.

Corporal Hatfield, 27, from Blandford Forum, Dorset, was engaged to Jill McBride, 24, and the proud father of a little girl.

A keen rugby player, he is thought have been a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Corporal Neilson, 31, lived with his wife Jemma and their young daughter in Blackburn, Lancashire. The two Royal Tank Regiment soldiers died from injuries suffered in the blast in their tank’s turret on Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Police said the men died in hospitals in Cardiff and Swansea.

The wounded soldiers are understood to be in hospitals in Swansea and Birmingham.

Dyfed-Powys Police are leading an inquiry into the tragedy along with the Health and Safety Executive and Ministry of Defence. The four-man crew of the tank, based at Tidworth, Wiltshire, had been on a routine exercise.

The Challenger 2 has a commander, driver, gunner and loader who doubles as a radio operator.

The regiment said the two men who died were “exceptionally talented soldiers who loved what they did”.

It added: “The regiment has lost two real characters and feels truly honoured to have served with them. They will both be sorely missed.

“The two other soldiers involved in this incident remain in a serious condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with all their families and friends.”