Both soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device after returning from an operation in support of an Afghan National Army Company, alongside C Company of the Danish Battle Group, to disrupt insurgent activity and search compounds of interest in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Major Matthew James Collins

Major Collins, aged 38 came from Backwell in Somerset. He commissioned into the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in August 1996, and travelled all over the world with the Battalion, serving operationally in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as on exercise in Belize, Kenya, Oman and the Falkland Islands.

Major Collins was the Company Commander of Number 3 Company and deployed on Operation HERRICK 13 as the Commander of the Advisory Team to the 3rd Kandak of the UK’s partnered Afghan Brigade. In this role, through his professional excellence, natural intelligence and force of personality, he has made a significant improvement to the operational capability of the Afghan soldiers and officers he advised.

Major Collins was passionate about his family. He spoke often of his wife, Lucy, his daughter, Freya, and his son, Charlie. He also leaves behind his father, Derek, mother Tricia, and brothers, Mark, Nick and Chris. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

The family of Major Collins have made the following statement:

“Not only a soldier but a caring husband, devoted father to Freya and Charlie, caring son, wonderful brother and friend to many. We will all miss him and remember him always.”

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Ghika, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, said:

“The loss of Major Matt Collins and Lance Sergeant Mark Burgan yesterday has been a devastating blow to the Irish Guards. Two more committed and professional soldiers it would be hard to meet; they epitomised what it meant to be a member of this family regiment.

“Major Matt Collins first came to the Battalion for a university attachment while we were on exercise in Canada in 1994. From that moment, he made his mark on all those he came across.

“An excellent performance at Sandhurst, and instructors recommendations on the platoon commanders’ and mortar course were no surprise to those who worked with him. He had the chance to show his quality widely: he served in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Iraq and more recently Afghanistan.

“He was a ‘Support Company man’ to his very core. His affinity for the senior soldiers who make up the specialist weapons cadre of the Battalion was legendary. He understood them, respected them, fought their corner at every turn and they loved him for it. He developed this large command into a cohesive, determined and proud group thereby setting the conditions for the success his Company have enjoyed in Afghanistan.

“This tour of Afghanistan gave Matt Collins the chance he wanted to shine as a field commander and to develop the Afghan Army with whom he was grouped. Central to every one of the operations we have undertaken over the tour, he led from the front both physically and in how he conducted himself.

“Equally at home advising the Kandak Commander, or explaining the rudiments of infantry tactics to a new and young Afghan soldier, he was never satisfied unless he was setting standards, driving progress and providing the lead for his devoted Guardsmen. It is a telling fact that there is a deep sense of sorrow hanging over the 3rd Kandak of the Afghan Brigade today, such is the respect in which they held Matt Collins.

“But most of all, Matt was a loving family man to Lucy, his wife, his children Freya and Charlie, his parents and three other brothers. Their loss is incalculably greater than ours; to them we offer our very sincere condolences.”

Major Fabian Roberts, Second in Command, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“I am immensely proud to have known Major Matt Collins for 15 years. He was one whose combination of unquenchable enthusiasm, fundamental kindness and selfless determination marked him as every inch what a Mick Officer should be.

“He was so much more than his achievements in Afghanistan, but those achievements themselves have been immense, and there is no doubt this country, and the Infantry Kandak he advised in particular, are both the better for his contribution to them.

“He loved the Army, and he relished the challenge and hardships of the job he has done for the last six months. This commitment could not fail to rub off on those around him, and he made a profound mark on all, whatever the rank, and whatever the nationality. He was amongst the most well-loved officers I have known.

“Matt was a true friend and a true Mick, and clearly – and above all – absolutely devoted to Lucy, Freya and Charlie. Our prayers are with them. Quis Separabit.”

Major Mickey Stewart, Company Commander, Number 4 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“My friend of sixteen years Matt Collins was an extraordinary man with a passion for life, his Regiment and his family that few could surpass. Whether skydiving or field sports, ski touring or knowing every single verse to the ‘Irish Rover’ by heart, Matt had an indomitable spirit. By definition this strength of character made Matt the perfect infantryman.

“He was an exceptional soldier. However, Matt added to the equation loyalty to his Regiment, an infectious sense of humour and love of his Guardsmen which made him the perfect ‘Mick.’

“Only the love for his family beat the dedication for his job and I know this because he told me often enough. Matt’s family were the most important thing in his life. I feel privileged however that I will always be able to remember my friend with a song in his heart, a Guinness in his hand and how we shared so many life affirming moments together.”

Major John Plummer, Operations Officer, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Matt was a friend and a brother. The enormous hole that has been left in our family is indescribable. We will continue to love him as he loved all of us. Goodbye and God bless. Quis Separabit.”

Captain Ben Irwin-Clark, Company Second in Command, Number 3 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Major Matt Collins was an exceptional Officer. He was passionate in temperament, and about his job and his men. Having served in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places, his experience and wisdom were enormous and worthy of huge respect.

“As a soldier he was tough and uncompromising, insisting on high standards from himself and those he worked with, and known for his excellent tactical sense and calm approach to even the hardest situations. He espoused the Company values which he himself devised – Loyalty, Excellence and Fortitude. For good reason he was known to all, whether subordinates, peers or those senior to him, as ‘Boss’.

“He was every inch a leader. As a commander and friend, Matt was quick to laugh and fiercely loyal. His sense of humour was second to none, and he would often joke ruefully about his quick temper, which never flared for more than a minute before being replaced by the humorous and jocular manner his soldiers loved.

“Major Matt Collins represented the best of the Household Division – he was smart, fit, dependable, intelligent and utterly gentlemanly. I count it an honour to have served as his Second in Command, been considered his friend, and to have had the opportunity to learn from him.”

Captain Matt Clarke, Tolay Advisor, Advisor 30, said:

“Major Matt Collins seamlessly achieved a unique blend of utter professionalism and vibrant personality found only in the best commanders. It is these characteristics, combined with his relentless energy, which have driven everyone in Number 3 Company to achieve great success during a difficult operational deployment.”

Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Stephen McMichael 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Major Collins was an exceptional officer, a man who commanded respect. He always led by example, and was a Company Commander who had time for all within his Company. Number 3 Company was a better place with Major Collins at the helm. His drive, passion and enthusiasm shone through the Company. Not only was Major Collins an outstanding Officer, but a family man – a loving father and husband who was inspiration to all of us within the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Quis Separabit.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) Richie Sixsmith, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Major Collins and I joined Number 3 Company at the same time. Back then it was still Support Company, but he had come to speak to me at great length about changing the name to Number 3 Company.

“His thinking was that, even though all the elements within the Company had their own special skill, the real driving factor behind it was our basic infantry skills, and he wanted us on the same plane as the Rifle Companies.

“This was duly accepted by the Commanding Officer, and Number 3 Company was reborn. We had always been Number 3 Company – someone had thought a while ago that ‘Support Company’ sounded better – but not Boss Collins.

“In rebranding the Company he came up with three pillars of success, these are symbolised on our Company Colour, and are Loyalty, Excellence and Fortitude. All members of the Company embraced this attitude, and it proved itself when we were split as a Company and spread to all elements for the tour in Afghanistan. There are members of Number 3 Company in every location in which there are Irish Guardsmen.

“Major Collins was a true professional, and he epitomised what Number 3 Company stands for. He always led from the front and was never afraid to do the legwork. He believed in doing the basics well, and was as at home on the battlefield as he was doing staff work.

“His legacy shall live on through the Irish Guards, and I personally shall never forget him. He definitely taught me a thing or two. I will continue to lean on the three pillars, and use them as the teachings of Major Collins: friend, leader, and soldier until his last breath.”

Lance Corporal Chris Duddy, Number 3 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Major Collins was an excellent Commander and a very professional man. We sometimes had very funny moments which made me laugh. Major Collins will be truly missed; my thoughts go to his family.”

Guardsman Ray Thompson, Advisor 30, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“Dear Mrs Collins, It was an honour to be commanded by such a brave and honourable leader. I couldn’t have chosen a better Company Commander to have served under; it was a privilege. His children will be proud to have had such a loving father. My thoughts are with you all.”

Guardsman Jack Griffiths, Number 3 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

“As my Company Commander he was very professional in his job, and made sure that he commanded us to the best of his ability, no matter how strenuous the situation. He always made the right decisions and it was a joy to have the opportunity to work with him throughout the tour. He will be sorely missed by those who worked closely with him, and my thoughts go to his family and friends.”

 

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Major Collins and Lance Sergeant Burgan, both men of great experience and exemplary commitment to the Irish Guards. They have laid down their lives protecting our national security, a loss made all the more poignant as they were so close to finishing their tour of duty and returning home.

“I extent my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of both men, and to all those who had served with them.”