Sig Ian Sartorius-Jones
Signaller Ian Gerard Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) died on Tuesday 24 January 2012 at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Signaller Sartorius-Jones, aged 21, from Runcorn, Cheshire, enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following his basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals, Blandford, where he enjoyed a promising start to his career as a Communications Systems Operator.
He joined 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) in May 2008 when this talented and intelligent soldier deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC 13. While in Iraq he contributed to the provision of communications and the closure of Contingency Operating Base Basra. He showed the raw talent on tour to be plucked from his duties in the Contingency Operating Base to serve with one of the Military Transition Teams providing communications and mentoring to the Iraqi forces.
He took part in many exercises, including a three-month deployment to the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada and a string of mission specific training exercises in Germany, Denmark and the UK. His sterling performances during these exercises and genuine aptitude for field soldiering saw him selected to work as a Rear Link Detachment Operator on Operation HERRICK 15.
Initially detached to C Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) [3 MERCIAN], and latterly D (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), this outgoing and charismatic signaller was responsible for the maintenance of vital communications links from a forward operating base in Nahr-e Saraj as well as conducting patrols alongside his infantry counterparts.
Signaller Sartorius-Jones leaves behind his wife Kellyanne and young son Dylan, as well as his parents Robert and Amanda Sartorius-Jones, and brother Alan, 26.
The family of Signaller Sartorius-Jones said:
"Ian was a lovable character, a devoted father to Dylan, who is eight months old, husband to Kellyanne, a wonderful son to Robert and Amanda, and brother to Alan. He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends."
Added by: Courtesy of the Daily Telegraph on 26th January 2012.
Comments
Signaller Anthony King, Queen’s Royal Hussars Rear Link Detachment, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:
Signaller Craig Billins, Queen's Royal Hussars Rear Link Detachment, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:
Sergeant John Binks, Nahr-e Saraj (North) Rear Link Detachment Commander, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:
Staff Sergeant Paul W Griffiths, Tigris Troop Staff Sergeant, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:
Captain Jamie Thomas, Tigris Troop Commander, 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said:
Major Spiro Marcondonatos, Officer Commanding D (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said:
Major Stu Whittley, Officer Commanding 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200), said: Sig Anthony King writes [26th January 2012]:
"S-J was the sort of person who always cracked a joke or had something to say when he walked into a room. Everyone knew him and he was liked by everyone whose life he entered.
"I have known S-J for a relatively short period of time, but in that time he has become a very close friend. I am extremely proud to say that I have known him; he would always make ... [read more from Sig Anthony King]
Sig Craig Billins writes [26th January 2012]:
"S-J was one of my most devoted friends. A lively and fun person to be around, he always had something to say. Knowing him closely for over three years, he became a dear friend. Prior to S-J getting married and moving in with his wife, we shared a room together at 200 Signal Squadron and shared many good times over a beer.
"I will always miss him and the ... [read more from Sig Craig Billins]
Sgt John Binks writes [26th January 2012]:
"Signaller Sartorius-Jones was always an upbeat individual who always had a smile on his face; he had a huge passion for music and often thought that he would become a great DJ. He loved trance music and was often off on trips with other members from the squadron across Europe to see his favourite DJs play.
"S-J received great praise from the people ... [read more from Sgt John Binks]
S Sgt Paul Griffiths writes [26th January 2012]:
"Signaller Sartorius-Jones, 'S-J', was one of the Troop's characters; a much liked and popular member of the Signal Squadron as a whole. Performing well throughout mission specific training, he was a natural choice to serve as a Rear Link Detachment Operator providing communications support for D (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, at Forward Operating ... [read more from S Sgt Paul Griffiths]
Capt Jamie Thomas writes [26th January 2012]:
"Signaller Sartorius-Jones became a stalwart of the Troop during my tenure as Tigris Troop Commander. An immensely likeable and humorous individual, he was one of my most experienced signallers. Always one to rise to a challenge, I was constantly impressed by the professional qualities and leadership abilities he frequently displayed, often during times of hardship.
"He showed ... [read more from Capt Jamie Thomas]
Maj Spiro Marcondonatos writes [26th January 2012]:
"I first met Signaller Sartorius-Jones on arrival in Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in October 2011 as he had been in place with C Company, 3 MERICAN, as their Rear Link Detachment. Working out of the Company Operations Room, Signaller Sartorius-Jones was always at the hub of everything we did, ensuring all our communications systems were up and running.
"Knowledgeable, bright ... [read more from Maj Spiro Marcondonatos]
Maj Stu Whittley writes [26th January 2012]:
"Signaller Sartorius-Jones was a gregarious, immensely respected and highly capable signaller. One of the longest serving members and biggest characters in the squadron, he had accrued a vast amount of experience in his short career.
"That he was one of the first volunteers to extend his time with the squadron to deploy on Operation HERRICK 15 was little surprise to those who knew him. ... [read more from Maj Stu Whittley]
Return to the top of the page...
add comments
Please mark your visit to this page with a few words, it all helps to keep the memories alive.
additional images
Click the thumbnails below to view a larger sized image.
Charity Information
Donations to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, in memory of a loved one or friend, are very welcome. All such donations are gratefully received and nothing is taken for administrative purposes. Every penny is spent specifically on welfare, helping to improve the quality of life of those less fortunate present and former members of the Royal Corps of Signals, who are in conditions of hardship or distress.
- © Friends and Relations 2012
- |
- Email:info@friendsandrelations.com
- |
- Tel:+44 (0)1872 226800
- |
- Terms
- |
- Contact
- |
-
