Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2009, Trooper Brett (Albert) Hall of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Tank Regiment died of wounds sustained four days earlier when his vehicle was attacked by an IED. He had joined the army at the age of eighteen and qualified as a Challenger 2 tank driver. His talent and enthusiasm for vehicles earned him a rare promotion for one of his experience, and he was soon driving for the Squadron Headquarters. He had deployed to Afghanistan in June, the week of his 21st birthday and continued to earn a reputation for being hardworking, generous with his time and talent, fun-loving, and dedicated to the regiment. Major Charlie Burbridge said: “Albert had a rare talent for engines, even amongst Tankies. He was happiest when he was covered from head-to-toe in the grease and oil that are the mark of a true Tankie. His vehicles never broke down. It was a matter of personal pride for him and the abiding image of Albert that will remain with us is of his shaggy haircut, cigar and filthy coveralls. His ever present smile appeared to shine through the grime. He was fit and enjoyed the esoteric pleasure of fell running and it was typical of him to pursue this sport without fanfare but to the high standards that he set himself. Albert never sought the limelight but when something was happening he would be amongst the group or on the very edge, smiling at what he was watching. He was quiet and extremely popular, loved by all in the squadron for simply being a good bloke and a very hard worker. He was a Tankie through and through and he will be desperately missed by us all.” Brett, from Dartmouth, was 21 years old.