Tragic RIR Soldier Dies In Accident

The NI soldier who died in an accident in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named overnight as 20-year-old David Dalzell.

Ranger Dalzell, was from Bangor and serving with 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment when the accident happened on Friday in Nad-e Ali, the Ministry of Defence said.

It emerged today that he might have been shot dead accidentally as he and a colleague cleaned their rifles.

Ranger Dalzell joined the the Royal Irish Regiment based at Tern Hill, Shropshire, in July 2010 after his recruit training and was on his first deployment.

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, who is the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, paid his tribute.

"Ranger David Dalzell was an extraordinary young man, and despite his relatively short time in the Army he was already much loved by his fellow soldiers.

"He took to the field of battle like a natural; he was perfectly at home in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances and his bravery never wavered under fire.

"He cheerfully carried the heaviest kit, over the most difficult terrain, in the most dangerous place in Helmand and when the time would come to fight he was fierce."

Also making his own tribute, Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson said that Ranger Dalzell's devotion to his comrades and his country was an example for young people throughout Northern Ireland and expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the young soldier's family on his passing.

"David Dalzell's short life is a shining example for young people throughout Northern Ireland.

"He joined the Army and devoted his life to making the world a better place and protecting our country and way of life. Northern Ireland can be rightly proud to have produced young people of his calibre," the DUP leader continued.

"For a young life to be lost at the tender age of 20 is a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ranger Dalzell's family at this sad time. I never cease to be impressed by the bravery, dedication to duty and sacrifice of our young men and women in uniform: they are a credit to our country."

Also over the weekend, a long-serving member of the Parachute Regiment was killed in an explosion.

Company Sergeant Major Colin Beckett, 36, died in the village of Shaheed, also in Nad-e Ali district when an improvised explosive device (IED) blew up as he was moving into position to cover his comrades.

Sgt Maj Beckett joined the Army in 1990 and was known as 'Tom' and had served in Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

See: Para Killed As Tragic Bangor Soldier Named

(BMcC/GK)