Page 110 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Obituaries
Private Gareth Bellingham Private Gareth Bellingham was shot on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province and died of his injuries, on Saturday 18th June 2011. He was 22. He was part of a protective cordon guarding a meeting involving his Company Headquarters and members of the Afghan National Army, when insurgents engaged them with small arms fire during which he was fatally wounded.
Gareth Bellingham was born on 21st November 1988 and attended Newcastle Community High School. In October 2007 he enlisted into the Army and did his basic training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. After passing out, he joined 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords). He completed a Warrior Driving and Maintenance and a Gunnery Course and established a reputation as being the best Warrior Gunner in
his Company. His Platoon Commander described him as a platoon character and a man of true heart and a wonderful influence on his many friends in both his Section and in 8 Platoon. His Commanding Officer described Gareth as hard working, committed and wholly respected by his peers. He was a pillar of strength in C Company and other tributes from fellow soldiers spoke of his sense of humour, practical joking and ability to raise morale in taxing situations. He also worked well with his Afghan partners, who according to eyewitnesses present, were deeply affected by his death.
His Father Mr. Les Bellingham, said that “Gareth would always be in their hearts. He died doing the job he loved and we are all proud of the job he did. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and all those who knew him. Rest in peace.”
His repatriation through Wootton Bassett was witnessed by over 2000 people and his funeral took place in St. George’s Church in the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme on 8th July. The church was packed with over 500 people in the congregation. His family were joined by friends, his Mercian colleagues from across the Regiment, dozens of members of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, plus many from the Cheshire Regimental Association. He was buried in Newcastle-under-Lyme Cemetery with hundreds of people paying their respects.
Private Matthew James Sean Haseldin
Private Matthew Haseldin was killed in Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province on 3rd November 2011, aged 21. His patrol came under attack from insurgents and sadly, during the attack, he sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Matthew Haseldin was born on 1st August 1990 and came from Settle in North Yorkshire. He enlisted into the Army in February 2011 and completed his basic training at the Infantry
Training Centre in Catterick. He joined 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters & Foresters) in August, only a few weeks before his Battalion deployed on operations, in September. The Battalion was responsible for securing freedom of movement on Route 611, a key road in Helmand Province linking Gereshk City with other district centres and beyond, including Kandahar City.
His Commanding Officer said that although Matthew Haseldin had only served a short time in C Company, he stood out as
a young man of immense character, who had travelled widely and was mature beyond his years. His Company Commander emphasised his laughter and stories and his commitment to
his friends. Soldiers from 7 Platoon spoke about his soldiering skills, positive attitude to hard work, how quickly he fitted into
his platoon and his enthusiasm for playing cards. He made a big impression and made many friends in a very short time.
His parents, Alan and Jill, said that “Matthew was a loving son and we are very proud of him. He had only been in the Army for a few months. Friends and family will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace.”
He was repatriated through Brize Norton and his funeral took place in St. Alkeda’s church in Giggleswick on Tuesday 22nd November. Regimental colleagues from across the Mercian Regiment joined his family, friends, the WFR Regimental Association and members of the public to pay their respects.
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APPLEYARD Basil ‘Baz’ LCpl of Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire died on 14 September 2011 aged 74. He joined The 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters and was discharged in 1977.
ARBLASTER William Bill Arblaster late
of Coven near Wolverhampton died on the 13th December 2010. He joined the 1st Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment in 1949 in Hong Kong, where he trained
as a signaller in the New Territories. Later he served in the Intelligence Section and trained as a sniper. On his return to UK
he represented the Regiment competing
for the Young Soldiers Cup at Bisley. He also completed a Firearms Instructors Course at Hythe in Kent before returning
to his Battalion who by then had moved
to Ballykinler before going to Germany, where he was promoted to Sergeant. He is survived by his daughter Sue.
ASLIN Thomas William ‘Tommy’ WO2 (CSM) of Newark died on 8 February 2011 aged 92. He joined the 8th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in 1934 and went with them to Norway in April 1940. After evacuation he
moved with the Battalion to Enniskillen where he volunteered for the Marine Commando. He landed on Sword Beach with 1st Commando Brigade on D-Day 1944 and remained with them until he returned to England to take up the post of an Instructor in 1945. He then rejoined the 8th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in 1947 and served with them for 20 years until 1970. After demobilization he took up employment with a local engineering firm who made ball-bearings and he worked for the firm for many years until he retired
having reached the position of inspector. Tommy was an active member of the
Regimental Association, a founder member of the Newark Branch WFRA and was also the Branch Secretary for many years. He was presented with a WFRA Merit Award for his service to the Association.
BAGHURST John Leslie Dmr of Chaddesden, Derby died on 27 September 2011 aged 98. He joined the 5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in April 1929 and served until April 1934. In 1939 he re-enlisted back into the Sherwood Foresters
at the outbreak of war and served in India with the 12th Battalion until demobilisation in 1946. After demobilization he worked in a local government office as an Environmental Health Officer.
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