Tributes paid to devoted dad and Fusilier, 23
THE West-based soldier who died while deployed in Estonia was father to a little girl, his platoon commander said.
Fusilier Sam Brownridge, who was based at Tidworth in Wiltshire with The First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died in what the Ministry of Defence described as a ‘non-battle injury’ on Sunday.
Senior officers and friends in the regiment have paid tribute to him.
Fusilier Brownridge, 23, grew up in Cannock in Staffordshire and had been a soldier for three years.
Captain Dave Davies, Officer Commanding Mortar Platoon, said: “Fusilier Sam Brownridge was the epitome of what it means to be a Mortarman. He was a solid pair of hands who took pride in learning and getting to grips with a highly specialised and unique skillset.
“He had been a member of the Platoon for almost two years and was part of the foundations on which the Platoon currently stands. He was a truly well-liked Fusilier, who brought laughs wherever he went.
“As a father, he often spoke of his daughter Marcè, and she was the centre around which he conducted himself daily. He endeavoured to be the best father that he could. I believe that he had truly found his home within Mortar Platoon and leaves behind positive memories with all who he served with.”
His friend, Fusilier Ben Cribb, said: “Sam was the mate who was always there when I needed him and always had the right answer for any problems I had. He loved to talk about cars, Land Rovers and a home he hoped to buy in Wolverhampton. I’d spent almost every day with him on the tour. He was a good soldier, a mortarmen who always strived to do his best at his profession.”
Fusilier Brownridge was also a motorcycle enthusiast.
He joined the Army in January 2017 and completed his initial training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick before being posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in August that year. He moved from Z Company to the Battalion’s Mortar Platoon in January 2019, serving with them until his death on July 5.
He had shone on an earlier deployment to Canada, landing a position usually held by more senior ranks.
An Army spokesman said that in preparation for deployment to Estonia, Fusilier Brownridge completed the Bulldog Armoured Fighting Vehicle driver’s course which qualified him to operate and maintain the Mortar Platoon’s main platform.
A petrol-head to his core, Fusilier Brownridge embraced his new responsibilities and applied himself thoroughly on the course. Fusilier Brownridge also took the opportunity to develop himself during the tour, learning Spanish, working hard on his personal fitness and preparing to compete for the Army Enduro Motorcycle Racing Team.
He added: “The tragic loss of Fusilier Brownridge is felt by all ranks and by the wider Fusilier family. He will be remembered as good humoured, generous, warm, devoted to his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, particularly his cherished daughter Marcè. Fusilier Brownridge will be sorely missed, but he will always be remembered.”
Fusilier Brownridge will be remembered as generous, warm, devoted to his friends and family... he will be sorely missed, but he will always be remembered