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Corporal David Barnsdale, 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)

Christina Drummond

Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2010, Corporal David Barnsdale, from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), was killed in Afghanistan. He had just deployed on his second tour of Afghanistan with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force - as the commander of a Royal Engineers Search Team, he was responsible for the detection of IEDs in areas deemed to be high risk. On the day of his death his team was operating in an area east of Gereshk, working towards the construction of a new checkpoint and patrol base – he was caught in the blast from an IED and did not survive. Corporal Barnsdale had joined the Royal Engineers in 2002, and following his four years in 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 32 Engineer Regiment, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and completed operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. He was posted to 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) in 2009 – considered at the top of his peer group and already a Corporal, he was in line for further promotion. Major Rod Brown praised him: “Soldiers like Corporal Barnsdale are the sturdy foundation on which the Army is built. His selfless devotion to those under his command and his unique ability to see the good in every situation was equalled only by his professionalism and drive.” Captain Luke Sinnott said: “I count Dave as one of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He was a rock for his team and a good friend to all of us. He fearlessly led his team in a very difficult environment and I can think of no man I would have sooner trusted with so much responsibility. Despite his easy manner he was able to be the strong hand the searchers needed when walking towards dangerous areas. It appals me to lose a friend like Dave and I cannot help but feel the world is a lot worse off for losing him. I cannot begin to try and repair the void he leaves behind.” David, from Tring in Hertfordshire, was 24 years old.

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