Corporal Terry Webster deployed to Afghanistan with B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), part of the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, which forms the Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) in Helmand province, in March 2010.

B (Malta) Company has been providing much needed security and stability to the local population in the area through a mixture of joint patrols and operations with the Afghan National Security Forces.

They have improved the quality of the lives of hundreds of local nationals around the villages of Nahr-e Saraj by providing reassurance to the Afghans and improving local freedom of movement to promote Afghan economic development.

Corporal Webster was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite immediate first aid, he later died of his injuries in the medical facility at Kandahar.

Corporal Terry Lee Webster

Corporal Terry Webster was 24 years old and was born in Chester. He enlisted into the Army in 2002 and joined the Corps of Royal Signals in 2003. He transferred to 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in February 2006. He had previously served on operations in Northern Ireland and Iraq.

Corporal Webster’s wife Charlotte and his children Jess and Liam said:

“Tez was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Mercians but he was a family man at heart. He was a fantastic dad to Jess and Liam and he was the perfect soul mate to me. Although this is a very sad time, Tez would want us to be positive.

“Remember the good times, the happy times. A lot of people’s lives will be deeply affected by Tez’s all too early departure. Life will never be the same for us.”

Corporal Webster’s mum, stepdad Andre and sister Tiggy said:

“Our Darling Son. Terry lived for his family and his friends but his passion was the Army. He has made his family extremely proud for the sacrifice he has made and will be missed every day. Terry has died a true hero and will be with us forever in our hearts. Love you loads.”

Corporal Webster’s wider family said:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Terry. He was such a caring young man who always put his family first. He touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. He died doing the job he loved. His dedication and professionalism will remain an inspiration to all.”

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“On the 4th of June, during an incident in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province, Corporal Terry Webster was fatally wounded whilst leading his men.

“Despite fighting for his life for a number of hours, and receiving the best medical care, he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Terry Webster transferred into the 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment from the Royal Signals in 2006, wanting to serve with his local county regiment and get closer to the action.

“He quickly proved himself to be a highly capable infantry soldier and commander; possessing great determination and character and always leading from the front. Terry was totally committed to his profession and he was forging a strong career path; when others played football, he would put on his combats, boots and webbing and pound out the miles, encouraging others to come along with him.

“He died doing what he joined for and what he was so good at, leading his men in battle. Away from work, Terry will also be remembered for his great sense of humour and comradeship. He was a devoted father to Jessica and Liam, and talked endlessly about them.

“Our loss is as nothing compared to theirs, and our thoughts are with them, and all of his family and friends.”

Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Strickland, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), said:

“The loss of Corporal Terry Webster is felt deeply across the battle group. He died doing what he had been doing since the start of the tour – leading and inspiring his men in the daily battle for control of a highly volatile area.

“He faced daily threats with courage and humour and his contribution to his multiple, his company and his battle group was immense. He showed courage and determination on every single day of his time with us here in Afghanistan.

“To me, he embodied the spirit of pride and professionalism that is a mark of the Mercian Regiment, and I am proud to have had the privilege to have served with him.”

Major Rich Grover, Officer Commanding B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“Corporal Terry Webster joined the 1st Battalion in 2006 following a transfer from the Royal Signals. A true Cheshire lad, he joined B (Malta) Company and immediately made his mark.

“His attitude, personality, fitness and soldiering skills quickly marked him out as one to watch, and it was not long before he was put on a cadre for promotion to Lance Corporal, a rank he gained with ease. He continued to show his professionalism, and it wasn’t long before he went on to complete the Section Commanders’ Battle Course and gained the rank of full Corporal. Here he thrived. Commanding a section was where he excelled, and he showed from an early stage in Afghanistan that he was the right man for the job when the chips were down.

“He also had character. Always at the heart of the craic, he was adored by his fellow soldiers. They looked up to him, they wanted to be him and they followed him everywhere.

“He was funny and always at the centre of a good prank, but at the heart of everything he did he was the consummate professional soldier. As a role model, the soldiers could not ask for any more.

“Corporal Webster is going to be sorely missed by everyone who had the fortune to meet him and as a person he will be irreplaceable. Our thoughts go out, at this difficult time, to his family and friends. Stand firm Mercian soldier, we will not forget you.”

Major Chris Wood, Officer Commanding C Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“I have had the pleasure of having Corporal Terry Webster in my company for the last year before his move to B (Malta) Company. He has been a figurehead amongst his peer group, a leader of men and a friend to all.

“Corporal Webster, or ‘Webby’ as he is almost universally known, was your typical infantry Junior Non-Commissioned Officer; strong, dependable and totally dedicated to his work and those under his command. He was the consummate infantryman, always seeking to improve himself for the benefit of others.

“When the opportunity to deploy early to Afghanistan arose he was the first to volunteer. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with such a fine man. He is sorely missed and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts go to his family and particularly his two children Jessica and Liam.”

Captain Andrew Raven, Fire Support Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) [1 MERCIAN], said:

“Corporal Webster found his true calling as an infantry soldier when he transferred to 1 MERCIAN. It was my absolute pleasure to have served with him in Iraq throughout Operation TELIC 11 and upon our return to the UK. A devoted father whose family was never far from his mind at any time. A Junior Non-Commissioned Officer who I was proud to have had in my platoon; I have worked with few better.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) Matty Henry, A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“Such a sad loss that has left us all shocked and deeply saddened. Our thoughts are with your family, friends and the men of B Company, 1 MERCIAN. Stand Firm, Strike Hard.”

Corporal Robert Keane, B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“A brave man and a hero to us all. He wasn’t just full of life, he was life. He was able to lift the spirits of everyone with only a few words. A prankster at every level but a truly professional soldier. In this family of brothers you’ll never be forgotten.”

Lance Corporal John Salem, C Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“You were a true friend to all, and especially to me. You were my Section Commander for so long; bringing me on, teaching me ‘the tricks of the trade’. You were always on courses trying to better yourself and then taking the time to pass on your knowledge to me and all the other blokes – regardless of whether it was after work or during mealtimes. It was never too much effort… to be honest I think you got a buzz out of being the centre of attention!

“We served together in Iraq and on more exercises than I can remember, culminating in the pre-deployment training for Afghanistan. When the opportunity came to return to B Company you felt like you had gone ‘home’. You loved B Company so much you even had the Maltese Cross tattooed on your back!

“You will never be forgotten, my friend, and I will always tell everyone about you and keep your memory alive.”

Lance Corporal Mark Elliott, A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“Terry you were a great friend and a brilliant soldier. I still remember when you transferred because you got tired of sitting at the back and decided to lead from the front. Sleep tight now mate, gone but never forgotten. A true hero who will be sorely missed by those lucky enough to have known you.”

Private Christopher Boon, B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“To some it might come as a shock, but to me it was an inspiration. His death will not be in vain as I shall prosper through trying to be half the man he was and always will be.

“He was an inspiration to the junior ranks and played a big part in my success within the Army. Webby was one of the keenest soldiers I ever knew, he was a true example of ‘Army Barmy’.

“He loved his job to the max and those who knew him would say exactly the same thing. Webby, your boots are very big ones to fill but I shall do my best to do so, you were one of the best Corporals I knew and you were flying through the ranks. For this I’m going to take the reins and continue your climb through the ranks. Webby, I pray that you are watching us, smoking your fags and drinking your ‘coffee two – a real man’s drink’, as you used to tell me, and guiding us through the hard times as you always did.

“Webby, you were a source of morale within the platoon and recognised through the battalion as a strong Section Commander. I’m sorry that you cannot be there for the rest of the tour but in a few words I know you loved being here and you loved your job; you died the way you said you would like to, in the heat of battle fighting alongside your men and leading, as always, from the front.

“Webby, I say goodbye to you now for a little while and I hope to see you again some day. Till then we shall fight on for you and for all the lads we have lost. Standing firm and striking hard mate, the way you would have, and did. Rest in peace my idol, my friend and my brother-in-arms.”

Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said:

“Corporal Terry Webster, you will always be remembered fondly by the 1 MERCIAN (CHESHIRE) family. Our thoughts and condolences go out to your family and loved ones at this dark time, but rest assured you will never be forgotten and your memory will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace Mercian brother.”