Internet tributes to Redditch paratrooper killed in Afghanistan

Aug 10 2009 by Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Post

The former pupil of St Luke’s and Bridley Moor was described as having the “heart of a lion and strength of an ox” who was always up for a laugh.

His aunt Maria Featherstone wrote: “Have just been reading all the things written about our nephew Dale with tears streaming down my face! Tears of sadness at the thought we’ll never see him again and tears of laughter at all the comments about his dance moves.

“It’s so lovely to read how well loved he was by so many people and rightly so as my daughter Amy wrote ‘underneath all those muscles he was a big softie’ which is true but it didn’t stop him doing a job he loved.”

His family said: “Dale was a loving son and brother. He was a determined, energetic man who loved life. We are so very proud of him and all that he achieved. We are all devastated that such a wonderful and popular person is now missing from our lives.

“Dale will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.”

His commanding officer added: “Dale was an immensely proud, forthright and honest man who took an abiding joy in soldiering. An outstanding and utterly professional Paratrooper, he readily embraced the self-sacrifice, responsibility and dedication required of his profession. He died doing the job he so loved, alongside the comrades that meant so much to him.”

A soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, died on Saturday on patrol east of Gereshk in Helmand Province.

His next of kin have been informed.