On Tuesday 15th October 2013 the Ministry of Defence confirmed the sad loss of Corporal James Brynin of the Intelligence Corps, killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
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 within the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) of 7th Armoured Brigade.
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.
Towards the end of the operation Corporal Brynin’s section became the target of enemy fire. Together with a sniper and machine gunner of the BRF, Corporal Brynin returned fire, but while extracting from the area he received a fatal gunshot wound. Due to his calm and determined actions on the day Corporal Brynin would posthumously be Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry saving the lives of his colleagues.
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. Corporal Brynin, who was known as Jay to his friends, excelled in the Army; he had already been selected for promotion to corporal, and had grand ambitions.
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 of 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 1 tour to Afghanistan, his appointment to support the Brigade Reconnaissance Force was indicative of his talent and leadership qualities."
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Slack, Commanding Officer of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, 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."