Soldier, 27, who died in diving accident ‘a role model for all’
A BRITISH soldier has died in a diving incident in the final week of training.
An investigation has been launched into Lance Corporal George Partridge’s death at the National Diving & Activity Centre in Chepstow, Glos.
The 27-year-old, who was expecting his first child with wife Zoe, recently achieved a long-held ambition to train as an Army diver, successfully completing his Junior Commanders Course, and had just been selected for promotion to Corporal.
L/cpl Partridge, from Ilminster, Somerset, was based with the 26 Engineer Regiment at Swinton Barracks in Wiltshire. The accident took place on March 26, when he was in the final week of his Army Diver Course.
An Army spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm that L/cpl George Partridge died in a tragic diving incident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
The spokesman added that the incident was being investigated, but could not comment further.
The Chepstow centre’s flooded quarry has sunken aircraft, buses and armoured vehicles on the its bed. L/cpl Partridge joined the Army at 19 and served in Afghanistan in 2012.
Stephen Partridge, his father, said on Facebook: “His mum, his brother Benjamin, his sister Lucy and myself, have been reading through the messages all day. It is heartening to know that those that knew George remember him as being true to his friends and colleagues, that he was kind and gentle when required, that he was a good soldier and served with honour.
“As his father, and former soldier, I am immensely proud of him, his dedication, spirit and single-mindedness when he had to get things done, fills my heart with pride.” His brother has also served in the Royal Engineers.
L/cpl Partridge loved sport and fitness and was a regular at the regiment’s gym. He had represented the regimental rugby team and was part of the Under 23 Army Football squad.
Corporal Anthony Matthews, a colleague, said: “George was a motivated and determined individual, who was a role model to all those around him. His peers also looked up to him and would come to him for advice.
“He was a family orientated man looking forward to starting his family with wife Zoe. He was both a physically and mentally fit person who relished any challenge thrown in his direction.”
Lieutenant David Thornett added: “Having already been selected to promote to Corporal, I have no doubt he would have climbed through the ranks with ease and had a very successful Army career.
“On top of this he was genuinely a good bloke who knew how to make people laugh, he will be sorely missed.”
The regiment, based in Tidworth, close to Salisbury Plain, said on Facebook: “This is a tragic loss to his wife, family, 26 Engineer Regiment and the Corps of Royal Engineers.”