Rifleman Daniel Hume 22, was killed in a contact explosion whilst on a foot patrol near Nad 3-Ali, Helmand Province,  july 2009.

Rifleman Hume's family said of Daniel: "Daniel passed out of Catterick as top recruit and since joining the Army he was the happiest we had known him, he had truly found his place in the world.

"He believed in what the British Army was trying to achieve and was confident. He was proud to serve his Country and was planning to move Battalion when he returned, so that he could guarantee a speedy return to Afghanistan.

"We have lost a son and a best friend. His death has left a huge void in our lives. We are fiercely proud of him."

His Commanding Officer, Lt Col Rupert Jones MBE, said:  "Rifleman Daniel Hume always said that he wanted one day to be RSM of the Battalion. This may at first appear to be an arrogant boast from a young soldier, but in his case it was anything but this.

"He was an exceptionally gifted young man who wanted to genuinely do something with his life and it would have been a brave man to bet against him to achieve his ambitions.

He only arrived in the Battalion at the end of April having just passed out from ITC Catterick where he was the Top Student. However, he was no stranger to success despite being only 22. He was a keen snowboarder, but his passion was downhill mountain bike racing and it was a passion for which he had a genuine talent.

"He started racing at the age of 12 joining the Mountain Bike UK / SCOTT bikes squad in 2002. By the end of the season he was 3rd in the national rankings, with six wins to his name.

"It was clear even at this stage that he was a genuine star in the making. More success followed and in 2004 he came 42nd in the Downhill World Cup. Rifleman Hume was a young man with extraordinary talent and a real thirst for life.

Determination

"He was born in Slough, before moving to Maidenhead where he was educated at Furze Platt Senior School and then at Reading College. Despite his talent on a bike he accepted that he wouldn't make a living from it and a career in the military beckoned.

In his short time in Helmand, he came to be a Rifleman that both his friends and commanders could totally rely upon, no matter what the task.

"He was a man with boundless energy, naturally fit and a sportsman, with exceptional motivation and will to succeed. Despite all of his ability, he was truly humble and was just one of the Riflemen - loved and trusted.

 

It is Daniels familys wish that in lieu of flowers and so Daniels name lives on, that we as family, friends and loved ones raise as much as we can to "The help for Heroes" in Daniels name.....so please give as much as you are able

Rest in peace Daniel,  we have lost a loved one but gained an Angel

A true Hero xx

 

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