Thomas+Wright

Thomas Wright, known as Tom and Wrighty to his family and friends, was born on the 20th November 1985, the son of Ian and Judith Wright. Ever since the age of 4, he had wanted to join the army, and he joined up at Catterick in January 2003 at the age of 17, enlisting in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He was then shipped to Barybudden in Fife, Scotland, to do 26 weeks of basic training, before going back to Catterick for his passing out parade. He was then posted to Chester, and then to Hounslow in London. He aslo served in Northern Ireland, but as he was only 17, he was not allowed out of the base, and in Kenya.

At Chester, he transferred from B Company to D (Fire Support) Company of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters so he could be a machine gunner. As a consequence of this, he also had to be a member of the Corps of Drums, where he learnt to play the flute. He also served in Belize and was posted to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 6. He was originally due to be posted to Afghanistan in 2005, but he missed the posting due to illness. His family say how depressed he was at not being posted to Afghanistan with his mates, and how pleased he was when his turn finally came.

Drummer Wright was killed in action on the 24th June 2007, at around 1000 hours local time, about 6 kilometres outside Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. His armoured ‘Snatch’ land rover was escorting a military road surveying team when it was caught in an explosion. He was aged 21. Four other soldiers were wounded in the explosion.

To quote from the Ministry of Defence obituary: ‘Drummer Wright's dedication, courage and professionalism were all of the highest measure. He was a young but outstanding and committed soldier. Drummer Wright's natural ability, zeal and motivation marked him out as a soldier who had a long and rewarding career ahead of him. He had clear potential to reach the highest ranks. Drummer Wright was a true team player in all sports; he had recently trained and competed in the Regimental Inter-Company boxing competition where with skill, aggression and accuracy, he had battled through to the finals.’

And ‘He stood tall within the Company such was his character, skill and ability. He will be best known for his razor sharp wit, numerous tattoos, quirky dress sense and practical jokes. Never shy in coming forward, always in the thick of the action, either in the boxing ring or in the field, on parades or in the block, he was a true regimental character who can never be replaced.’

Many tributes from his comrades in Afghanistan were also received, including:

"Drummer Wright was part of a patrol that was delivering Civil and Military Aid to needy people in remote districts when he was killed. He was a talented young soldier who was an accomplished musician, a determined boxer and, first and foremost, one of my fighting men. The tragedy is deepened in that he was killed by people from an area that he and his colleagues were protecting and developing, through the provision of security and reconstruction. "His courage and professionalism serve as a reminder of the commitment of young soldiers across Afghanistan, who set a fine example to the Armies of the World and to whom society owes a huge debt. 'Wrighty' died in the service of his country, defending a foreign land with vigour, valour and vigilance and it is a terrible blow to us all that he will not make the trip home with us. My sincere condolences go to his family, girlfriend and his many friends in the Battalion. This is a dreadful loss." (Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Westley M.C., Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters)

"'Wrighty' was larger than life, loud, outrageous, quirky, a joker and inspirational. Widely respected and admired he was a key member of a tightly knit company. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, girlfriend and mates in this difficult hour. The loss of Wrighty is a horrendous blow to all that knew him; nothing can replace the gap that he now leaves. He will always remain in our thoughts, lives and never be forgotten." (Major Paul ‘Shove’ Gilby)

‘"Drummer Wright was an outstanding character. Highly professional and totally committed, he was an exceptional soldier who inspired everyone around him. A strong team player who gave his all to those around him, Drummer Wright's infectious enthusiasm and brilliant sense of humour will be sorely missed. It was a privilege to know him." (Major Max Wray, Commanding Officer of Drummer Wright’s Company)

"Drummer Wright was an upstanding soldier in leadership and skills. His professionalism was without question and he was an example to us all. His humour was unique and always lifted the morale of the troops. He was a friend to all and will be sorely missed by his friends, colleagues and all in the unit." (Colour Sergeant Gaz Singleton)

"Drummer Thomas 'Wrighty' Wright joined the Corps of Drums in Chester in 2004. From the moment he joined the Platoon he showed natural aptitude for the role of a drummer; smart, plenty of tattoos and a very strange sense of humour. Wrighty was immensely likeable and was one of the lynch pins of the Corps of Drums. Whatever he did, he carried himself with pride and confidence, and as such became a natural drummer carrying out public duties at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. He was incredibly fit and motivated, which he showed in abundance at the Battalion Boxing Night, when he fought another drummer and his best friend, Drummer Farrell. His memory will forever be remembered within the Battalion, but in particular within the Corps of Drums, an extremely close-knit platoon. Today we have lost a friend, a colleague, and a piece of our heart. God bless you mate." (Drum Major Bryn Knowles)

"'Wrighty', words can not describe this soldier. As a friend he was a cheerful person, always laughing, joking and professional in every way. He loved the Army, always striving to be better than everyone else- if there was a ragging or joke being played, he was always in the middle of it. He will be sorely missed by all of his mates." (Lance Corporal Les Barker, his close friend)

He is commemorated on the following War Memorials:

The Ripley War Memorial in the town centre The Waingroves War Memorial outside the Methodist Church At Crich Stand on the memorial to those Sherwood Foresters who died on service since the Second World War The National Arboretum in Staffordshire A brass plaque at Bulford Church, Tidworth, Wiltshire A plaque in Afghanistan at the HQ of the UK Task Force at Lashkar Gah

(Many thanks to Ian and Judith Wright for all their help with putting together this tribute to Tom)