Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel killed in Afghanistan

Rifleman Steel was taking part in a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement and to reassure the local population in Babaji, in the Lashkar Gah district, which is in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) area of operations, when he was caught in the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED). He was airlifted to the field hospital at Camp Bastion where he was declared killed in action.

Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel

During his time with the Battalion, Rifleman Steel had achieved a great deal. He arrived at a busy time in the Battalion's calendar and was immediately thrust into further training, learning the intricacies of the Warrior armoured fighting vehicle, while developing the closest of bonds with those whom he would later deploy to Afghanistan with. This training culminated in a six-week, vehicle-mounted exercise in Canada in late 2010. Throughout this testing period, Rifleman Steel demonstrated that he was quickly developing into a skilled, robust and intelligent soldier, in keeping with the Regiment's tradition of the 'thinking, fighting Rifleman'. This early promise was honed through Afghanistan pre-deployment training in the first half of 2011.

Rifleman Steel's skills as a marksman, coupled with his mature approach and calm, focused demeanour were harnessed on the Sharp Shooters' course, which he passed with ease. A highly professional soldier he had proven to be one of the stars of his company. He was focused on his career, rightly ambitious, and showed great promise.

He leaves behind his mother Victoria, sisters Cody and Carys and brother Kameron.

Rifleman Sheldon Steel's family paid him the following tribute:

"Sheldon was loving, caring and affectionate with his family and we all heard from him regularly. He loved being in the Army from when he was in the Army Cadets to joining 5 RIFLES. He was very fit and ran a marathon in June this year. He won prizes for his soldiering both in training and in a Regimental competition. He had a good sense of humour and frequently joked with us all.

"He was a big lad - all 6 foot 4 in of him - with a big heart. His Nanas had to stand on the wall outside the house to kiss him 'goodbye'. Words cannot explain how much he will be missed by us all.

"We have already received a lot of support from family, friends and work colleagues and we really appreciate this. "

Ashleigh Craig, Adam Thomas, Paul Bone and Sam Hall - all former Army Cadets with 'C' Company Yorkshire North and West Army Cadet Force and friends of Rifleman Steel - said:

"Sheldon was a good mate and we couldn't have wished for a better friend. He was always ready for a laugh. He was so keen to better himself and be good at his job. He was kind and had a very honest approach to life. Every time he came back on leave he went mad on fitness and part of him was back with the Regiment. He was so brave and we are all so proud of him. We will miss him a lot." 

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, Commanding Officer 5 RIFLES, Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), said:

"Rifleman Sheldon Steel was the essence of a 'Delta Dog', as the members of D Company 5 RIFLES are known. As a club within a club, the Delta Dogs have a particularly special identity in our Battalion and Rifleman Steel was immensely proud of that identity. And so he should have been, because he was, and will remain until next year, the 'Top Dog' which is to say the winner of D Company's annual competition to find their best Rifleman.

"Rifleman Steel won this accolade in the last few weeks before deploying to Helmand, in an arduous and hard-fought contest that fully stretched the Riflemen's mental and physical capacities. As a result he was afforded the honour of sitting at the centre of the top table at the formal 'Dog's Dinner' a full-on Regimental Dinner for all members of the Company, surrounded with Regimental Silver from the Officers' and *Serjeants' Messes and entertained by the Battalion's Buglers. None of us will ever forget his humble and self-effacing delight that night, mingled with a touch of embarrassment, at finding himself at the centre of such attention.

"He truly was a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness, and natural leadership flair all underscored by a quiet confidence and understated ambition.

"Unquestionably a rising star, unsurprisingly excelling on operations in Afghanistan, and clearly destined for the Corporals' Mess following this tour, Rifleman Steel had made his mark across the Battalion in double quick time.

"His death in an IED blast has taken one of our very best and we will be so much the poorer for his loss. Nevertheless, we have been enriched by his presence amongst us, his professionalism, and his passion for our chosen career. He now joins the list of legends who have, by their hard work and sacrifice, made progress in this part of Afghanistan ever more attainable. And the manner of his passing reminds us, in the words of the Grace spoken at his Dog's Dinner, that 'it is not the size of the dog in the fight; but rather the size of the fight in the dog'. As a Rifleman, as a brother-in-arms, he will never be forgotten.

"The thoughts and prayers of every member of 5 RIFLES Battlegroup now turn to his mother Victoria, his sisters Cody and Carys, and brother Kameron as well as his wider family and friends."

Part 1.