Tributes to 'immensely popular' soldier killed in diving incident

Lance Corporal George Partridge was based at Swinton barracks Credit: 26 Engineer Regiment

Tributes have been paid to an "exemplary" soldier who was expecting his first child with his wife, who died in a diving accident in the final week of his training course.

Lance Corporal George Partridge was serving with the 26 Engineer Regiment based at Swinton barracks in Perham Down, Wiltshire.

He was training at the National Diving and Activity Centre near the Welsh border town of Chepstow when the accident happened on March 26.

The 27-year-old joined the Army in 2010, and had previously served in Afghanistan in 2012.

The National Diving and Activity Centre where advanced divers can carry out training operations. Credit: NDAC

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Doyle said: "Quietly determined, hard-working and immensely popular, Lance Corporal George Partridge was an exemplary soldier.

"Humble but hugely capable, he was always ready to lend a helping hand where it was needed the most and at some point everyone in the regiment has had cause to be grateful for his ability to find you a car when the vehicle park seemed empty.

"Our clearest memories of him will always be on the rugby pitch and in the gymnasium, where he was the epitome of a Royal Engineer junior non-commissioned officer, always pushing himself and his soldiers to the next level, and always with a smile on his face.

"He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time."

Having been selected for promotion to the rank of corporal, the MoD said he had "recently achieved a long-held ambition to commence training as an Army diver".

A post on the regiment's Facebook page announced new of LC Partridge's death, and hundreds of messages of condolence have been paid to him:

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said their thoughts are with the soldier's family and that they are investigating the circumstances of his death.

Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster also paid tribute to LC Partridge, saying it was "clear from the testaments of his colleagues that he had a bright future in the Army and was held in the highest regard".

Sergeant Chris Brignull described L/Cpl Partridge as an "outstanding character and a great role model for younger sappers within the troop".

While Corporal Anthony Matthews said: "He was a family-orientated man who was looking forward to starting his family with his wife Zoe.

"He was both a physically and mentally fit person who relished any challenge thrown in his direction."

LC Partridge's squadron commander Major Matt Walker said the loss of this "epic junior non-commissioned officer leaves a void in the squadron that can't be filled".

While Lance Corporal Ash Skerten added: "If I could be half the man he was I would be proud, he was the best soldier."

Troop commander Lieutenant David Thornett said he was a "genuinely good bloke who knew how to make people laugh" and that he will be "sorely missed".

The National Diving and Activity Centre has sunken planes, buses and armoured vehicles on the quarry bed where advanced divers can carry out training operations.