The Corps of Royal Engineers - Dedication for Sapper Mark Quinsey

Picture of Mark Quinsey.

Sapper Mark Quinsey, 23, from Birmingham was killed at Massareene Bks in Antrim on Saturday 7th March 2009 just hours before he was due to deploy on Operations in Afghanistan. Mark belonged to 25 Field Squadron of 38 Engineer Regiment.

Sapper Quinsey, who joined the Army when he was 19, was described as a "charismatic and affable young soldier" with vast potential.
Friends within his regiment spoke fondly of his "Brummie banter" and dry sense of humour.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Lewis, Commanding Officer, 38 Engineer Regiment said: “Mark was an outwardly calm, resolute and motivated young soldier. A social livewire and hugely popular across the regiment, he was rarely away from the centre of the action. Professionally his approach reflected his infectious enthusiasm for life.”

“The regiment and I have been shocked and stunned by the death of this very promising young soldier.”

Added by: Mark Quinsey on 10 March 2009.

Comments

Sapper Andrew Sharples, 2 Troop, 25 Field Squardon writes [22nd April 2009]:

Mark Quinsey was a good friend of mine, I used to share a room with him back at camp and used to weight train with him now and again. I can’t believe this has happened. My deepest sorrows go out to Mark’s family, he will be greatly missed by all in the Troop and Squadron.

Sapper Sean Pocock, 2 Troop, 25 Field Squadron writes [22nd April 2009]:

The thing is, he wasn’t just my friend in the Army, he was a friend from back in Birmingham. It’s hard to believe he won’t be around anymore. He will be sorely missed by me and his comrades around him, especially within our troop.

Wo2 (squadron Sergeant Major) Paul Dixon writes [22nd April 2009]:

If you ever needed a steady hand to crew the ship Mark was your man. He could and would turn his hand to most things. Yet, at the end of the working day he would always be at the front, immaculate in appearance, ready to party and charm the ladies with a bit of his Brummie banter.

Lt Chris Smith, 2 Troop Commander 25 Field Squadron writes [22nd April 2009]:

Sapper Quinsey was a humorous and willing soldier. He had a dry sense of humour and a thick Brummie accent making him stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to get to know him as well as I would have hoped as he had recently returned to the troop having completed his electricians’ training. He instantly threw himself back into Troop life, both socially and professionally; keen to learn all the skills he needed for our deployment to Afghanistan this summer. In the ... [read more from Lt Chris Smith, 2 Troop Commander 25 Field Squadron]

Major Darren Woods, Officer Commanding 25 Field Squadron writes [22nd April 2009]:

Major Darren Woods, Officer Commanding 25 Field Squadron said:
The death of Sapper Quinsey has a dealt a heavy blow to the Squadron, many of whom have already deployed to Afghanistan. To lose such a charismatic young soldier in the prime of his life has been a tragedy of immeasurable magnitude.

I have known Sapper Quinsey for almost two years and in that time have never found him without a positive word or the ability to make light of any situation. His wide circle of friends pays testimony ... [read more from Major Darren Woods, Officer Commanding 25 Field Squadron]

Mario Reid writes [11th April 2009]:

R.I.P. Mark

Mick Dobson writes [18th March 2009]:

From the Committee & all the Members of the Junior Leaders Branch of the REA.

Our deepest condolences to Mark's family & to the Commanding Officer & all Ranks of 38 Engineer Regiment. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. A senseless murder of an obvious talented and well thought of young man.

Rest in Peace Mark

Stuart Farley writes [17th March 2009]:

What a tragic loss. Thoughts are with the family. Mark is amonst many other sapper comrades and will be well looked after. RIP

Tom Carroll writes [16th March 2009]:

As an ex member of both 38 regiment and 25 Fd Sqn I am deeply saddened. My thoughts are with Marks family and friends.

Keith Swann writes [14th March 2009]:

What a waste, they (IRA) must NEVER win. you're with other brave lads Mark, they'll look after you Rest in Peace, mate. We WILL remember you, God Bless

an ex RE

Dave White writes [14th March 2009]:

As an ex RE and former resident at Masserene Bks I am deeply shocked that this could happen at a time when peace prevails. Our thoughts go out to the family of Mark. RIP.

Lt Col John Mclennan writes [12th March 2009]:

An absurd waste of the life of a young Sapper -- we will always remember you and all that you achieved and contributed to our Corps team.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and your loved ones -- rest in peace.

Jim Jackson writes [11th March 2009]:

Being an ex 38 Engineer Regt sapper I send my condolences to Marks family at such a tragic loss. What a waste of a young life, Mark had everything to live for and I hope that whoever did this will be bought to justice as soon as possible. We at Stamford Royal British Legion honour you Mark.

Anthony Gleave writes [11th March 2009]:

Our thoughts and prayer go out to the family of Spr Mark Quincey. May he enjoy his peace in a life everafter.

The Lads of Support Troop
34 Field Squadron (Air Support)
Royal Engineers

John Cunningham writes [11th March 2009]:

Such a senseless waste of a young life.
I send my condolances to Mark's family and friend's.

from an ex Royal Engineer

Shaun Mayland writes [11th March 2009]:

71 Engineer Regiment are stunned and shocked, we feel as if we have lost one of our own and on behalf of us all serving in the Regiment I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Marks family and friends. A brave and profesional soldier who will be missed by us all. Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten

St John Webster writes [11th March 2009]:

My deepest sympathy and condolenses to Mark's family and freinds. A life now wasted but not forgotten.

RIP Mark.

Frank Mcgrogan writes [10th March 2009]:

My deepest sympathy to Mark's family, such a senseless waste of a talented Sapper.
RIP - we will not forget from a former Sapper and NI vet

Neil Jordan writes [10th March 2009]:

What a senseless waste of such a young life. If anything, his murder should bring together the community to make a stand against these murdering terrorists. RIP Mark.

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Sapper Mark Quinsey