Mossley soldier killed in Afghanistan blast

RISING star . . .Cpl Joey Etchells

Joey, 22, ‘one of the best’
A “rising star” of the Army, killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, was named today as Corporal Joey Etchells from Mossley.

Cpl Etchells (22) died on Sunday morning while on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence said.

His platoon came under small arms fire, and a booby trap roadside bomb exploded.

Tributes today described him as “a born leader” who was looking forward to marrying his fiancee, Julie.

The engaged father–of–one was serving with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and he was on his third tour in the war zone.

It is believed that his body will be flown home tomorrow.

In an interview for the Chronicle days before Joey returned to Afghanistan, leading eight men in Sangin as a section commander, he said: “It’s a great job and a big responsibility to have out here, but I really enjoy it.

“I can’t see myself ever wanting to do anything else.”

Cpl Etchells loved sport, particularly running, during his time at Mossley Hollins High School and chose a career which allowed him to stay fit.

He joined up at 16 and at 18 went to Northern Ireland where he patrolled Belfast and worked on public order during the marching season.

He first went to Afghanistan in 2006 to Helmand province, where his company endured 107 days under fire, the longest period since the Korean War.

He later redeployed to the capital Kabul.

He said: “You really develop as a soldier when tested on a tough op.

“The young guys out here with us now are changing and growing so much people won’t recognise them when they come home.”

Despite the hard work, he carried on his running regime and also tried his hand at sailing on a trip around the Caribbean.

He represented his battalion and garrison at cricket and was an active member of the battalion cross-country team.

His friends, Fusiliers Darren Rushton and James Turnbull, described him as an “outstanding soldier” and “a born leader” who “left a massive gap in the Company which will never be filled”.

“He would always talk about his fiancee and how he couldn’t wait to get married to the woman of his dreams and watch their daughter grow up,” they said in a statement.

His section commander Cpl Tariq Malin, added: “He would always speak about his family back home and how proud he was of his fiancee and daughter who he loved dearly.”

Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “Cpl Joseph Etchells was clearly a soldier dedicated to his men and put their well being ahead of his own.

“His physical fitness and his ability to soldier was first class and he was clearly held in high regard by his seniors, peers and men under his command.

“His loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him and my thoughts are with his family and his fiancee and daughter.”

Tributes flood in for brave trooper

Joey’s sister Sarah wrote on his internet Facebook page: “It is so hard to say goodbye to someone so beautiful and true. I will hold you in my heart for now and forever and you shall never be forgotten. I love and miss you so much always, your big sis, sleep tight gorgeous.”

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas, said: “This man has given his life for the freedom of others. Our deepest condolences to his loving family.”

His head teacher at Mossley Hollins, Drew Duncan, said Joey absolutely loved life and added: “He was very popular with students, teachers, and support staff. He was polite, respectful and hard working. He threw himself into the life of the school. The whole school sends their condolences.”

The Facebook page also contained many tributes from cousins and friends.