‘Ash will never be forgotten’

Lieutenant-Colonel James Carr-Smith, Commanding Officer The Royal Dragoon Guards, said: “Trooper Ashley David Smith was a highly impressive young man.

“He was full of energy, very popular and tremendously good company.

“He loved the camaraderie the Regiment offered and he loved soldiering, but he had other passions, chief of which were his family and basketball.

“He often said his family was the most important part of his life. He will be missed by us all and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, brothers, sisters and girlfriend, whom he loved dearly.

Major Denis James, Officer Commanding Viking Group, D (The Green Horse) Squadron, The Royal Dragoon Guards, of which Trooper Smith was a member, said: “Trooper Smith – Ash or Smithy, as he was originally nicknamed – was a friend to anybody who got to know him.

“He was a quiet, unassuming individual with a winning smile and that is how he will be remembered, laughing and smiling with his friends.

“He was a resolute, principled and, above all, kind man. He was utterly dependable, completely professional and a joy to know. The most fitting epitaph for Trooper Smith is that he died a brave death. His sacrifice will inspire us.”

Lieutenant Nicholas Chew, 4th Troop Leader, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “Ashley was the first soldier I ever got to know.

“His death has hit me hard. Ash was one of those people whom you knew was kind of heart and always well-meaning.

“He was a sensitive guy who would never wish ill on anybody.

“However, the most delightful thing about him was how he found interest and enchantment in the smallest pleasures in life. He always wanted to do the extraordinary things because he had an outlook on life which said it is ‘not worth being unhappy about’.”

Sergeant Richie Wales, 4th Troop Sergeant, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “He was one of the most positive characters I’ve ever met.

“He was one of the good guys. Proactive and always with a smile on his face, he represented the best of the Regiment. We won’t forget you, Ash. Go well, wherever you are.”

Trooper Graham Tingley, 4th Troop, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “He was a good friend to everybody and would do anything for anybody. You would never see anything other than a smile on his face.

“Ash was a supremely talented sportsman who always loved to show you new tricks with a basketball and then enjoy watching you try and generally fail at them. He could give and take banter and was always quick with a comeback.”

Trooper Michael Noonan, 4th Troop, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “Ash was a good mate to all who came into contact with him. His natural talent as a sportsman and his great sense of humour meant he had plenty of friends within the Squadron. He loved to laugh, even when the going got tough, but he was dedicated to the Troop and wanted to be in Afghanistan with the boys.

“Ash was madly in love with his girlfriend Sarah and my thoughts go out to her and Ash’s family. He was a true hero, gone now, but remembered forever.”

met. He was one of the good guys. Proactive and always with a smile on his face, he represented the best of the regiment. We won’t forget you, Ash. Go well, wherever you are.”

Trooper Graham Tingley, 4th Troop, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “He was a good friend to everybody and would do anything for anybody. You would never see anything other than a smile on his face.

“Ash was a supremely talented sportsman who always loved to show you new tricks with a basketball and then enjoy watching you try and generally fail at them.

“He could give and take banter and was always quick with a comeback.”

Trooper Michael Noonan, 4th Troop, Viking Group, D Squadron, said: “Ash was a good mate to all who came into contact with him.

“His natural talent as a sportsman and his great sense of humour meant he had plenty of friends within the Squadron.

“He loved to laugh, even when the going got tough, but he was dedicated to the Troop and wanted to be in Afghanistan with the boys.

“Ash was madly in love with his girlfriend Sarah and my thoughts go out to her and Ash’s family.

“He was a true hero, gone now, but remembered forever.”