Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Guardsman Simon Davison, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, died in Afghanistan. He was killed while manning a checkpoint near the town of Garmsir in Helmand Province. The checkpoint had come under attack from Taliban fighters and during the gun battle which followed, Guardsman Davison sustained a fatal gunshot wound. He had joined the army less than two years earlier, having been a carpenter by profession. His friends remember him as outgoing, humorous, a great friend, and a true gentleman. His Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant Matthew Betts, said: “Simon was a diligent and smart Guardsman who I had the pleasure of having in my platoon for over a year and a half. I worked with him on ceremonial duties in London, trained for operations and served with him in Afghanistan, where he was someone you could depend upon. It was a testament to his self-discipline and professionalism that Simon lost his life in action. This is a great tribute to him, defending his friends from harm. Simon will be sorely missed in the Platoon. His easy-going smile, character and sense of humour, even in extreme adversity, made him a very special person. His loss will be felt everyday by his friends and our thoughts are with his family, who although grieving, should take solace in the fact that Simon at a crucial point did not shrink from his duty, but faced the enemy with outstanding courage whilst under fire.” Simon, from Newcastle, was 22 years old.