| Location | Ripon, North Yorkshire |
| Age | 29 years |
| Date of Birth | 7/1977 |
| Visitors | 2,704 since 23/08/2006 |
| Creator |
Cpl Budd, 29, died as a result of injuries sustained during a fire fight with Taliban forces in
Sangin, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. The incident occurred whilst on a routine patrol
close to the District Centre. Three other British soldiers were injured in the incident but their
injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Corporal Bryan James Budd, 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Corporal Bryan James Budd was born on 16 July 1977 and lived in Ripon, North Yorks with his wife
Lorena and their two year old daughter Isabelle. Cpl Budd had been in the Army for 10 years, since
December 1995. He enjoyed a distinguished career, enlisting into the Parachute Regiment then passing
the rigorous selection process for 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon, an elite unit
specially trained for long range reconnaissance missions.
Whilst part of that platoon he served in many operational theatres including Yugoslavia, Sierra
Leone, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq. In May 2002 he passed his Section Commander’s Battle
Course with distinction, and was on the cusp of promotion to Platoon Sergeant. He was a qualified
Army Combat Survival Instructor, rock climber and freefall parachutist. In 2004 Cpl Budd was posted
to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate where it was his responsibility to help train young
future soldiers. He joined A Company, 3 PARA, in early June 2006 serving in Helmand Province.
A talented and hardworking soldier, Cpl Budd was the consummate professional. Universally liked and
admired, he was a shining example to those under his command, demonstrating great courage in the
face of adversity. He had a keen sense of humour and a natural ability for lightening the mood.
Softly spoken and gracious, he was never hurried or flustered and took everything in his stride.
Living in such a beautiful part of the world he loved the outdoors and would spend whatever time he
could there. However, his keenest passion was for his family of which he was incredibly proud. He
leaves behind his wife Lorena and daughter Isabelle. The couple were looking forward to the birth of
their second child in September.
Cpl Budd’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, said of him:
"Cpl Bryan Budd was an outstanding young man who had quickly risen through the ranks in the
Regiment. Extremely popular, he had a calm and professional manner that inspired confidence in all
that worked with him; a natural leader. Bryan died doing the job he loved, leading his men from the
front, where he always was.
"Bryan was proud to call himself a Paratrooper and we were proud to stand beside him. One of
the very best in all respects, he will be sadly missed by all his comrades in 3 PARA and our
thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
In a statement issued following the incident Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne said:
"I was deeply saddened to be informed of the death today of a British soldier and the injuries
of three others as they supported the NATO mission in Afghanistan. I wish to express my sincere
condolences to their families and friends. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time."
Cpl Budd leaves behind him a gap that will never be filled. A father, husband, son and a great
friend to many. He will never be forgotten.
thinking of you
yo dude, well time certainly flies! my thoughts are deeper than ever as i was reminded of your loss this week. As i sit here with my eyes full of tears and speechless, i can only think of the awesome times we shared as brothers and of course good mates too. I wish we could have one chance of a reunite as there is so much i want to talk too you about, take care bro.
Never Forgotten
You are a true hero Bryan. My love and prayers are with you and your family. The country is proud of you, but we'd swap it all to have you back with your family.
Rest in peace soldier. xXx
Always
As the sun starts to rise,
I'm with you
When you hear a bird sing,
I'm there
For each raindrop that falls,
think of me
And the love that we'll
always share
In the rush of the wind
feel my touch
In the quiet of night
hear my voice
If you start to stumble
take my hand
And know that it was
my choice
When tears start to fall feel
my comfort
If you feel low share
my pride
Don't ever think that you've
lost me
For I will always be there
by your side
I would just like to add my sincere sympathy to the family of this incredibly brave man.
My son is in Iraq at the moment, and I miss him and worry about him every single day... my heart goes out to those whose brave Soldiers won't be coming home.
God Bless, Brian - Stand Easy.
God Bless and comfort your family.
Much love,
Julie
X X X X X X
Ttue Hero
You are a true hero! Watch over your loved ones, I know their pain and know they miss you, but also know they are so proud of you! Love Claire.x
VC Hero
Posthumous VC for heroic soldier BBC News 14 Dec 06
Cpl Budd had served in the Army for 10 years
A hero soldier who died saving seven comrades from Taleban gunfire has been awarded the highest recognition for gallantry, the Victoria Cross.
Corporal Bryan Budd, 29, of Ripon, North Yorkshire, was killed when he single-handedly stormed a Taleban position in Afghanistan, in August.
It is the first posthumous VC to be awarded since the Falklands conflict.
He had a daughter aged two and his wife gave birth to their second child a month after he was killed in action.
'Natural leader'
A member of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment and originally from Scunthorpe, he was the 20th UK serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November, 2001.
He had been in the Army for 10 years, serving in Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and was about to be promoted to platoon sergeant.
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, said at the time of his death he was a natural leader.
"Bryan died doing the job he loved, leading his men from the front - where he always was," he said.
The Victoria Cross was created in 1856 to honour soldiers of the British Empire during the Crimean War who showed gallantry in the face of enemy attack.
THANKS
Bryan i just want to say sorry and thanks to you. Sorry that you have lost your life serving our country but Thank you for looking after us all and serving. How many more soldiers have to lose there lives before Blair will pull you's out ??? My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends xx
Sorry for your loss
May you find the strength to get you through this traumatic time, God bless you.
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