Anti-poaching Brit killed in Africa
British troops beside elephant bones in Malawi. Right, one of the mammals A BRITISH soldier on anti-poaching operations in Africa has been killed by a rogue elephant.
Guardsman Mathew Talbot, 22, is thought to have been trampled to death on a patrol in the bush in Malawi.
He was armed and joined by several other British soldiers and local troops but may have been taken by surprise by the elephant because of the very tall grass at this time of year.
A source said: “Elephants, considering their size, can be incredibly quiet when walking and it is entirely possible the two parties suddenly came across each other. Even though the soldiers are all armed it is very possible there wasn’t time for anybody to react.”
The source added: “The response of his comrades was extremely brave.”
Gdsmn Talbot, from Birmingham, was serving in the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
He was a keen photographer and enjoyed languages. His parents, two sisters and girlfriend have been informed of his death. Gdsmn Talbot, who joined the Coldstream Guards in 2013, had volunteered for the counter-poaching operation. His commanding officer Lt Col Ed Launders said: “I’ll always feel honoured to have served alongside Gdsmn
BRAVE Gdsmn Talbot was hailed by comrades Mathew Talbot. He was a determined and big-hearted Coldstreamer.
“It was typical of his character to volunteer for an important and challenging role in Malawi.
“Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards.
“We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit.”
Company commander Major Richard Wright said: “My abiding memory of Gdsmn Talbot will be that he never failed to make me smile.
“A real character who was always full of wit and never short of a joke or two.”