Olympic dream of dead trooper
THE seventh British soldier to die in the past week in Afghanistan was named yesterday as Trooper Christopher Whiteside – a 2012 Olympic hopeful.
Trooper Whiteside, of the Light Dragoons, was killed on Tuesday by an explosion near Gereshk, in Helmand province while taking part in Operation Panther’s Claw against Taliban strongholds.
The 20-year-old soldier, nicknamed Norm, had hoped to begin training for a possible place in the British fencing team at the London Olympics.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Gus Fair said: “Trooper Whiteside had only been in the regiment for a short time, but had established a reputation as an excellent soldier.
“Fit, robust and determined, he had all the qualities that mark out a soldier of considerable promise.
“As part of the fire support group, he had led 3rd Platoon from the front all day.
“He will be remembered as a soldier at the top of his profession, who gave his all for his friends, and who has been cruelly taken from us.”
Trooper Whiteside was born in Blackpool.