How sad it is that we hear and read about yet more soldiers dying in Afghanistan and watch the cortege of cars driving through Wootton Bassett as they bring our fallen home.
But it moves me more when it’s one of Coventry’s own, and today my thoughts go out to the mother and family of Sapper Guy Mellors from Coventry, the fifth soldier from our city to die in the war against the Taliban.
At only 20 years old, this young soldier was a bomb disposal expert from 36 Engineer Regiment, and a valuable member of the advanced search team and was killed on Monday near Sangin in Helmand province while clearing improvised explosive devices (IED’s).
Guy was hailed as being an ‘experienced and highly regarded searcher’ and was in line to be promoted to junior non-commissioned officer cadre upon his return home. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonol Gareth Bex, said Guy was ‘a tremendous young man, and a credit to his family.’ He went on to say ‘Although it is a tragedy to lose such a fine soldier, it is a comfort knowing that through his efforts many lives were saved, and that his efforts are recognised both in Helmand and back home in the UK.’
His mum, Linda, said “We are very proud of Guy. He will always be our hero, he lived his dream.”
He was obviously a well loved young man who will never be forgotten - A tribute to Guy was launched on facebook, called: ‘RIP Guy Mellors – hero, best mate, great brother and son.’
You can join the facebook group - HERE!
