
Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Guardsman Daniel Probyn, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. He had been involved in an operation to clear a Taliban stronghold in Garmsir, in Southern Helmand.
Guardsman Probyn had wanted to join the army since he was six years old and did so in 2003, receiving a presentation tankard for being the recruit who had made the best endeavour. Before being deployed to Afghanistan he had served twice in Iraq, where he was commended for his part in ensuring a wounded comrade reached safety. He is remembered as a thoroughly professional and dedicated soldier of the highest calibre – the tributes on the Ministry of Defence fatalities site point to him being a truly extraordinary young man.
Lieutenant Andrew Tiernan said: “Guardsman Daniel Probyn was quite simply the most outstanding soldier I have ever come across and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the pleasure of serving alongside him on operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Guardsman Probyn was respected by everyone in 3 Platoon and was looked up to by the younger and more inexperienced members of the Platoon, to whom he was an inspiration. He was an exceptionally professional Guardsman and thus had an intensity about him that rubbed off on those around him. Yet he always maintained a sense of humour and was more often than not at the heart of Platoon banter. As is typical of the man, Guardsman Probyn warned his fellow soldiers of a potential threat just prior to the explosion that killed him, making them move away from his position in a selfless act which saved their lives. He died whilst engaging with the enemy and protecting those who were fighting alongside him. He was a legend within the Platoon and indeed the Company, and now he will remain a legend forever more.”
Daniel, from Tipton in the West Midlands, was 22 years old.
