Internet tributes to Redditch paratrooper killed in Afghanistan

Aug 10 2009 by Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Post

Tributes have poured in to an internet page set up in memory of a 23-year-old Midland Paratrooper who was killed in an ambush by the Taliban.

L/Cpl Dale Hopkins, from Redditch, died when his 4x4 vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

He died alongside another two men from the Parachute Regiment as they carried out a routine patrol with Afghan National Army forces, on Thursday.

The creator of the Facebook group RIP Dale Hopkins said they were compelled to remember the life of “a good friend, a great brother, son and loving uncle”.

So far 262 messages have been posted including the memories of his sister who said she was proud her brother had fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a solider.

Dee Featherstone wrote: “I am proud of you, you went into the army like you always said you would. I’ve never met such an honest, trustworthy and caring person as yourself.

“Never did I think that I would be writing you a message like this. I just feel numb to the thought that you’re never coming back to us.

“Jason would like me to express his sadness for the loss of his only brother and said ‘What a hero! You’ve made me and the country proud. I Love You.’

“Thank you to you all for sending these lovely messages in Dale’s memory.”