Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2009, Guardsman Christopher King, 1st Battalion, the Coldstream Guards, was killed by an IED in Afghanistan while serving on operations in the Nad e Ali District in Helmand Province. He had been serving as a rifleman with Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards.
Guardsman King joined the Army in 2008, quickly completed the sharp-shooter’s course, and took part in state ceremonial duties in London. In early 2009 he volunteered to serve with 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards for a six-month operational tour to Afghanistan. He was noted for settling in well and for being popular. Within two weeks of arriving in Afghanistan he volunteered for the sharpshooters’ course, aiming to become a company sniper – he knew this would require exemplary shooting ability as well as intelligence. He easily passed the course, demonstrating his natural abilities, and was identified as a future non-commissioned officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Toby Gray said: “Guardsman King constantly showed a desire to challenge himself and improve his professional ability with the aim of becoming the best soldier he could. On arrival with the Coldstream Guards it was clear that he could not only hold his own amongst a group of experienced soldiers but that he could also lead the way with his dedication and ever present appetite to learn. On hearing that volunteers were required to augment the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards for Operation HERRICK 10, Guardsman King immediately volunteered. When asked whether he had thought through the implications of his decision Guardsman King was quite clear; he joined the Army to challenge himself and to be a soldier - Afghanistan would give him that opportunity. Guardsman King will be remembered by all the soldiers of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards as a bright, cheerful and inquisitive young man who dedicated his military life to being the best soldier he could be, putting himself second and seeking out challenges to ensure he got the most from life.”
Christopher, from Birkenhead, was 20 years old.
