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Kirk's Tribute
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Lance Corporal Kirk Redpath
Lance Corporal Kirk Redpath joined the Army in September 2003, subsequently passing out of training to join his Regiment of choice, the Irish Guards. Serving on exercises all over the world, he had been on operations in Iraq since early May. A member of the Battalion’s Intelligence Cell he was attached to Badger Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment for the patrol on which he died. Although his job as a member of the Battalion’s Intelligence Cell in no way required him to deploy outside his base, he constantly volunteered to do so.
He was an excellent side drummer in the Pipes Platoon and was competent enough with the bugle to be deemed good enough to play at the famous Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Volunteering to be a member of the Intelligence Cell for the Battalion’s tour of Iraq, Lance Corporal Redpath was a critical cog in the analysis of enemy capabilities and tactics, contributing to the planning of both Battalion and Company level operations.
Lance Corporal Redpath, was 22 years old and from Romford. He leaves behind his father and his mother, his beloved grandparents and his younger brother Grant.
"An outstanding musician and a very professional soldier, Lance Corporal Redpath will leave a gaping hole in the Battalion. He was the perfect role model to every Irish Guardsman. There are many of us that will never live up to his standards but that will not stop us trying – we will never forget him."
Lieutenant Colonel Michael O’Dwyer MBE
"Rederz was undoubtedly a fantastic person, a great role model and friend to all. He was professional, incredibly keen and extremely competent. However, in my mind he will not be remembered for the manner in which he carried out his job but as the person who made us laugh through all the frustrating and difficult times. At moments like these it was always Rederz, with his boundless energy, who made us giggle. Even in the most pressured operational moments it was he who offered to help no matter what the circumstances."
Captain James Bullock-Webster, Battalion Intelligence Officer
"Each day he would arrive in good time with a smile on his face and glint in his eye as he went about covering the operations map with coloured circles and dots marking areas of interest. His delivery had style and panache that went well beyond what would be expected of a Lance Corporal."
Captain Tim Rogers, Irish Guards officer, 2IC of Kirk's Squadron
"I have lost a member of my band in the worst possible way, a member of my family has been taken from me before their time which I know me and the rest of the band will never come to terms with and never get over! As a band member you was a loyal, dedicated and well respected person. As a friend you was caring, thoughtful and the best!!"
Band Director Ian Yeoman,
Royal British Legion Band & Corps of Drums Romford
It is the request of Kirk's family that anyone wishing to make donations, please do so to either The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal or The Royal British Legion Band & Corps of Drums Romford.
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