British Army Captain Rupert William Michael Bowers was killed in Afghanistan on 21st March 2012. He served with the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) (2 MERCIAN), and was attached to 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES).
Captain Bowers was leading a patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province to clear a position from the threat of insurgents when he was killed by the explosion from an insurgent bomb.
This was his third deployment to Afghanistan. In 2007, while in Afghanistan, he was 'Mentioned in Dispatches' for his actions during a complex insurgent ambush.
Lieutenant Colonel Colin R Marks (Commanding Officer, 2 MERCIAN) said Captain Bowers was "a gifted officer who excelled in the field and was happiest when leading men in battle."
Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Martyn Chatterley said: "Captain Rupert Bowers was a larger than life character with an immense personality that impressed the soldiers and officers who served alongside him, always there with a quick-witted one-liner that brought a smile to everyone's face.
"Despite being young, his leadership and command presence was impressive. Never one to sit back and wait, he was a professional who was brave to the end. He will be sorely missed by all in 2 MERCIAN but will never be forgotten. ‘Stand Firm and Strike Hard'."
Captain Rupert Bowers leaves behind his beloved wife, Victoria, and his newly-born son, Hugo, as well as parents, Patrick and Jane, and sister, Juliet.
Rupert, shocked to hear of your tragic death. It was good to see you here at Hawkstone last year- you looked so well. May the Lord be merciful to you and comfort your wife, baby son and family. RIP.
ReplyDeleteFr M O'Mahony and all at HH