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inmemoriam

Lance Corporal Brynin, an Intelligence Corps soldier attached to 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), deployed to Task Force Helmand in August 2013 as an intelligence analyst working for a Light Electronic Warfare Team (LEWT) within the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) of 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in action on Tuesday 15th October.

In the early hours of 15 October, the BRF deployed from Camp Bastion into the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province to counter an imminent threat to both the Afghan population and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Towards the end of the operation Lance Corporal Brynin's section became the target of enemy fire. Together with a sniper and machine gunner of the BRF, Lance Corporal Brynin returned fire, but while extracting from the area he received a fatal gunshot wound.

Lance Corporal James Brynin was born in Shoreham-By-Sea on 22 December 1990. Joining the Army in February 2011 he was immediately identified as a bright, motivated, self-starter and joined the Intelligence Corps. Following his initial training he was posted to 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare). Such was his calibre, and having already served a tour in Afghanistan in 2012, he volunteered to train with the BRF and deployed back to Afghanistan in August 2013. Lance Corporal Brynin - known as Jay to his friends - excelled in the Army, had already been selected for promotion to Corporal, and had grand ambitions.

Lance Corporal Brynin's family have paid the following tribute: "Heart of a lion, we will always stand strong for you. We will never forget. Rest in peace - Dad Efrem, Mum Sharon, sister Yasmin and girlfriend Olivia."

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Purves, Royal Signals, Commanding Officer 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), said:

"Bright and engaging, Lance Corporal Brynin was immensely popular and an outstanding soldier in every respect. Having already completed one tour to Afghanistan, his appointment to support the Brigade Reconnaissance Force was indicative of his talent and leadership qualities. He was fit, determined and genuinely wanted to make a difference. His selection for promotion to full Corporal earlier this year highlighted his flair for his chosen profession.

"Full of energy and an avid fan of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, he was also involved in every aspect of Regimental life. Always seeking excellence, he aspired to attend pre-parachute selection on his return from Afghanistan; his quality was such that I am confident he would have passed with flying colours.

"A member of a small and specialist cadre, his selfless sacrifice to those around him typifies his commitment and unflinching bravery. He will, forever, be remembered with pride by his Regimental family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay's parents, his close family and friends at this difficult time".

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Slack MBE, Commanding Officer 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's), the Brigade Reconnaissance Regiment, said:

"Lance Corporal Brynin was a star, burning bright and rising fast. From
the moment he joined the Brigade Reconnaissance Force it was clear that
we were blessed with a truly special individual. His loss is one of the
real tragedies of this military campaign. He stood out due to his
professionalism, his determination, and his razor sharp intelligence.
He touched everyone with his zest for life and sense of humour. But
above all he will be remembered for his extraordinary courage: when it
mattered he stood up, and was counted. Our thoughts and prayers are
with his family, and his girlfriend Olivia."

Major Kelly Burman, Officer Commanding 236 Signal Squadron, 14th Signal
Regiment (Electronic Warfare), said:

"Words seem inadequate to describe the overwhelming shock and sadness
experienced by his friends and brothers-in-arms serving out here when
hearing of the tragic news of Lance Corporal James Brynin's death. We
have lost one of our brightest and best. James had been deliberately
selected to form part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force Light
Electronic Warfare Team precisely because he was just that - the
brightest and best of us.

"He was a young man who was going places with a great future ahead of
him. Despite this being his first posting since leaving intelligence
training he had already been selected for promotion to full Corporal,
such was his calibre and potential. This news has hit us, his Squadron,
hard but we are determined to remember James for the ever-smiling and
cheerful young man and great soldier that he was. We will remember him
as an incredibly brave and selfless comrade. When his team came under
heavy enemy fire he stepped forward without hesitation to defend them.

"He had such a bright future ahead of him and was generally recognised
to be at the top of his peer group. May he continue to be an
inspiration to all who knew and worked with him, remembering the happy,
funny times as he would want to be remembered."

Major Tom McDermott, Royal Tank Regiment, Officer Commanding the Brigade
Reconnaissance Force, said:

"Lance Corporal Jay Brynin was one of the great characters of this
world. From the first moment I met him I was won over by his ever
present smile, his great sense of humour and his ability to get on with
everyone and anyone he met. He loved his job and the small team he
worked with, and they loved him back. We will always remember him for
his keen intelligence his determination to succeed, and his zest for
life. Our deepest condolences are with his parents and his girlfriend."

Lieutenant George Downing, Officer Commanding Eastleigh Troop, 236
Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), said:

"Lance Corporal Brynin had an infectious enthusiasm for all aspects of
military life. He has been a driving force within 236 Signal Squadron
since its formation in Spring 2012. His overwhelmingly positive outlook
on life helped cement his position as one of the most competent and
well-liked Junior Non-Commissioned Officers within the Squadron. He was
a natural choice for the most demanding roles. He thrived on being in
the thick of the action and it gives me some comfort to think he was
entirely in his element until the last.

"Chatting with Lance Corporal Brynin while he was passing through Main
Operating Base PRICE with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force a couple of
days ago, we talked about what we wanted to do after the tour. He said
he was looking forward to completing 'P Company', parachute selection
training. As one of the fittest and most determined soldiers I have
worked with, I have every confidence he would have succeeded."

Warrant Officer Class Two Gary Lawson, Squadron Sergeant Major, 236
Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), said:

"Jay Brynin was not the stereotypical Intelligence Corps soldier, being
more at home when out on the ground indulging his passion for
soldiering. A highly motivated, dedicated and professional young
soldier, he was always the first to volunteer. He'd truly found his
calling in life and has been taken from us doing what he loved."

Sergeant Steve Joyce, Brigade Reconnaissance Force, Light Electronic
Warfare Team Commander, 236 Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment
(Electronic Warfare), said:

"Jay Brynin was one of the most enthusiastic blokes I have ever come
across. Even during some of the most difficult times his energy knew no
bounds. Whenever an operation came up he was the first person to
volunteer and the only difficulty I ever had with him was holding him
back. He was an absolute professional who did his job to the utmost of
his ability every time. During the last 10 months I saw more of him
than my own family and that is why I will always remember him as a
brother."

Corporal Richard Blakey, Lance Corporal Brynin's Light Electronic
Warfare Team partner, 236 Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment
(Electronic Warfare), said:

"Jay was one of the best friends I've had in my Army career. I first
met him while trying to dodge a Pathfinders cadre in order to go to a
stag do. Whilst it looked like I would miss the stag do as nobody
wanted to be thrashed by Pathfinders in Brecon, one word to Jay, whom I
barely knew at the time, and he jumped at the chance. I've met precious
few people who I've instantly bonded with like Jay. We shared a passion
for all things with four wheels and spent many an hour debating our
favourites.

"I couldn't possibly describe Jay without using the word 'keen'. His
enthusiasm was intoxicating. He loved almost all aspects of Army life.
In particular, sport, green skills, his job as an analyst, but most of
all, gossip and 'shimfing'. He was probably the only person who took it
personally when an operation was cancelled. His enthusiasm also
continued to nights out with the boys where he was always good for a
laugh.

"Jay always seemed to throw himself into whatever he did, whether it was
football, weightlifting or his Army career. He was always his own man,
rarely backing down in debates. He maintained his strong personality and
individuality. My heart goes out to his family and long term
girlfriend, Olivia, all of whom he spoke so fondly.

"I will miss him dearly."

Cpl Ashley Roylance, Intelligence Corps, 236 Signal Squadron, 14th
Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), said:

"Full of vigour, brave and bold.

A cracking story, he always told.

His smile was bright, true and real,

At ease and relaxed he made you feel.

Took on everything in his way,

No matter who or what, that's what made him Jay.

A gap is left that will always remain,

But from this there is much we can gain;

However long Jay had been our mate,

In whatever way, form or state(!)

We have made memories that are always there,

Memories to think about, keep and share.

So, at this time and in the years to come,

We can think of these times and come together as one.

Jay will always be a part of us, now and forever,

We will keep him vibrant and real and forgotten never."

Lance Corporal Jordon Polonijo, Intelligence Corps Analyst, Brigade
Reconnaissance Force, said:

"I first met Jay in February 2013 at the start of pre-deployment
training for 7 Brigade, Brigade Reconnaissance Force. We quickly built
not only a working relationship but a friendship too. What initially
struck me was Jay's level of awareness and experience of operating in
Helmand Province and I found myself leaning on him for advice in my
first few weeks.

"Jay embodied everything that an Intelligence Corps and Brigade
Reconnaissance Force soldier should be: professional, robust, highly
capable and able to operate in austere environments. On a personal
level he was calm, laid back and had a very dry sense of humour. When
combined with his analytical ability and knowledge of his job, this
means a huge loss to his team, the Brigade Reconnaissance Force and the
Intelligence Corps family. Sadly the biggest loss of all though is as a
friend."

Lance Corporal Luke Garbett, 236 Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment
(Electronic Warfare), said:

"If a man is measured by the opinions of his peers, Jay stood above us
all."

Signaller David Ball, Brigade Reconnaissance Force, Light Electronic
Warfare Team, 236 Signal Squadron, 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic
Warfare), said:

"I have never known anybody as enthusiastic about anything as Jay was
about the Army. From the moment I met him he was always full of energy
about everything he did. He had so many aspirations and would have
flown through the ranks in the Army. His main one was to complete 'P
Company' parachute selection training; I think to prove something to
himself and his Dad. I am proud to have known him and served next to
him. Sleep well buddy, you finally got your wings!"

Latest from icasualties.org

British military casualties - Editorial policy

In the service of our country.

Eulogies for all personnel killed on UK operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere are posted as soon as they have been released by the UK Ministry of Defence. Each eulogy we publish for men down in operations brings a lump to the throat. We are losing the best of the best. Politicians must ensure that, when the newspaper cuttings have faded, their sacrifice has had some meaning, has helped bring about a good result. Anything else would be a waste for which they will be eternally condemned.

There is invariably at least a 24 hour gap between the official release of news of an event and the naming of the dead. This is to allow families to be informed and proper eulogoies to be produced. Occasionally families request no euologies or comment. We abide by guidance we receive on such sensitive matters. We regret that information on those who sacrifice almost as much through grave injury is seldom released by the MoD for operational reasons, and so we are unable to pay tribute.

 

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