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Christina Drummond

Corporal Joseph Etchells, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers


Remembering the Fallen: on this day Corporal Joseph Etchells, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in Afghanistan. He had been on foot patrol near Sangin when he was caught up in an explosion. He had joined the army six years earlier, and is remembered as a proud and eager Fusilier, a consummate professional who was dedicated and loyal to his men. Lieutenant Alan Williamson said: “Cpl Etchells was an outstanding soldier and an inspirational young section commander. At the age of 22 he was already on his third tour of Afghanistan. He always led from the front providing an excellent example to the soldiers that he commanded. Cpl Etchells was a straight talking soldier who was not afraid to speak up for his men. No matter what the situation he always put his section first. It was a real pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic individual who really did love his job, often heard to say ‘I live for this stuff.’ A commander of huge potential he was well respected by his soldiers and his commanders alike. It was obvious that Cpl Etchells had something special about him and had a great career ahead of him. He was everything a platoon commander looks for in a section commander; fit, robust, keen and tactically sound. He truly was one in a million and I shall miss him greatly.” Joseph, from Mossley, Greater Manchester, was 22 years old, and left behind his fiancée and small daughter.

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