Tributes paid to Shropshire based soldier killed in Afghanistan

He was killed as a result of an operational accident while working in Check Point RANGER in Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Ranger Dalzell was 20 years-old and came from Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland. On completion of his recruit training he joined 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment at Tern Hill, Shropshire, in July 2010.

He was posted to A Company, where he served with distinction for 6 months. Despite a very short time in the Army and being on his first deployment he quickly established himself amongst his fellow Rangers as a resilient and trustworthy soldier.

Ranger Dalzell's parents, Gordon and Susan, said:

"David was a loving and caring son and he was very proud to be a soldier. We are very proud of David as a son and he leaves behind a void that will never be filled. He will be missed by his brothers Gareth, Mark and Stewart and sisters Kelly, Catherine and Rachael."

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir MBE, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"Ranger David Dalzell was an extraordinary young man, and despite his relatively short time in the Army he was already much loved by his fellow soldiers.

"He took to the field of battle like a natural; he was perfectly at home in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances and his bravery never wavered under fire. He cheerfully carried the heaviest kit, over the most difficult terrain, in the most dangerous place in Helmand and when the time would come to fight he was fierce. Day after day he continually faced down the enemy and fought shoulder to shoulder with his brother Rangers; he was fearless."

Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said:

"I was extremely saddened to hear about Ranger David Dalzell's death, which I am sure has come as a heavy blow to his friends and colleagues in A Company, 1 Royal Irish. By all accounts he was a most promising young soldier who served his country with courage and honour. This sad loss will be felt by many, and my thoughts are with his family, and his friends and colleagues."

The number of military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 is 352.