'Hero' soldier died trying to save pals

A soldier who died trying in vain to save his injured colleagues during a heavy firefight in Afghanistan has been described as a hero.Sergeant Craig Brelsford, 25, from Nottingham, was named by the Ministry of Defence as one of the two soldiers who died when a patrol was attacked by Taliban militants in the southern Helmand province in the early hours of Saturday morning.He was killed while trying to rescue Private Johan Botha, 25, from Pretoria, South Africa, who also died. Both men were members of the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).The MoD said they were taking part in a "pre-planned operation" to disrupt the Taliban south of Garmsir when they were attacked.Several other soldiers were injured in the incident, and two remain in a serious condition in hospital. A number of Taliban were also killed in the battle, according to the MoD.Sgt Brelsford's commanding officer, Major Jamie Nowell said: "Charismatic, intelligent, tough and robust; Sgt Brelsford was the perfect infantry commander. I am convinced that if he had been given the opportunity to choreograph his own death it would not have been dissimilar to the heroic circumstances in which he died."He added: "Sgt Brelsford was killed in action attacking a well-defended Taliban position in an attempt to protect and evacuate his wounded comrades."He repeatedly fought through tenacious enemy fire to extract casualties and was hit on his final attack to find Private Botha, also killed in action, who had fallen behind enemy lines - this exceptionally courageous act of bravery and selfless commitment personified the character of Sgt Brelsford."Private Botha leaves behind a wife and young child, who have not been named. He was described by colleagues as a popular character who was proud of his roots.Private Kevin Latham, a friend and colleague, said: "Private Botha was a well loved and energetic man who loved his family, his mates, his job and his South African heritage."Private Botha died the way a true soldier should. Our section was engaged heavily by an enemy position with intense and accurate fire used to pin us down. In the thick of this was Private Botha."Private Botha was injured and he went to ground. He continued to fight, although he was very seriously injured and despite his severe injuries he was still able to engage the enemy until the very end, ensuring the safety of all his mates. That's what Private Botha was like, always up for the scrap."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | September 10, 2007

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