The Corps of Royal Engineers - Dedication for Spr Cengiz Azimkar

Also known as: Patrick.

Picture of Cengiz Azimkar.

Sapper Cengiz ‘Patrick’ Azimkar, 21, from Wood Green, London was killed at Massareene Bks in Antrim on Saturday 7th March 2009 just hours before he was due to deploy on Operations in Afghanistan with 25 Field Squadron of 38 Engineer Regiment.

Sapper Azimkar, who was known as Pat, was a talented footballer who had trials with Tottenham Hotspur when he was younger. Fellow soldiers said he was looking forward to going to Afghanistan on his first operational tour. They paid tribute to his “cheeky smile” and tireless work ethic.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Lewis, Commanding Officer of 38 Engineer Regiment, said he was “dedicated, ambitious and full of energy”. “During training for our deployment to Afghanistan, Patrick showed his true grit and determination, making absolutely certain that he was fully prepared for the exacting and demanding conditions to come. It was his performance during this training, and in particular his commitment to supporting his mates, that showed his full potential for training as a non-commissioned officer.”

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

Added on 10 March 2009.

Comments

Neil Jordan writes [10 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 Patrick.

Frank Mcgrogan writes [10 March 2009]:

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

St John Webster writes [11 March 2009]:

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Patricks family and friends. A life now wasted, you will never be forgotten.

RIP Patrick

Shaun Mayland writes [11 March 2009]:

A sad loss to the Corps, and the shock we all feel is impossible to express. On behalf of all those in 71 Engineer Regiment I would like to express our deepest condolancies to the family and friends of this brave and profesional soldier. We all feel like we have lost one of our own. Rest in Peace , you will not be forgot.

John Cunningham writes [11 March 2009]:

Such a senseless waste of a young life.My sympathy's go to Pat's family and friend's.

From an ex Royal Engineer.

Anthony Gleave writes [11 March 2009]:

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

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

Steve Craddock writes [11 March 2009]:

Totally sensless waste of a young life.Rest in peace son.

Jim Jackson writes [11 March 2009]:

Being an ex sapper I was priveledged to march in Ripon last May with 38 Engineer Regiment. I was very shocked to hear of the deaths of Pat and Mark. I send my condolences to Pats family and friends at such a tragic and wasteful loss. I hope that those responsible will be bought to justice as soon as possible. Stamford Branch Royal British Legion Honour you Pat.

Lt Col John Mclennan writes [12 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.

Jack Viney writes [12 March 2009]:

Our deepest sympathy and condolances to the families of Pat and Mark at their sad loss, they will lsways be remembered.

Our thoughts are with their families and firends at this sad time - RIP

All Branches of the NE District REA

Bill Wood writes [13 March 2009]:

Deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
WE WILL REMEMBER

Dave White writes [14 March 2009]:

As an ex RE and former resident of Masserine BKS I am shocked that such a thing could happen at a time when peace prevails.

Keith Swann writes [14 March 2009]:

What a waste, they will never beat the RE's. Rest in peace mate. We WILL remember you. God Bless.

an ex RE

Tom Carroll writes [16 March 2009]:

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

Mick Dobson writes [18 March 2009]:

From the Committee and all members of the Junior Leaders Branch of the REA

Our deepest condolences go out to Pat's family, &, to the Commanding Officer & all ranks of 38 Engineer Regiment for the sad loss of a obvious talented and well thought of young soldier.

Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.

Rest in Peace Pat

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

It is difficult to convey the feelings and emotion of the Squadron as we come to terms with the tragic loss of Sapper Azimkar. A truly professional soldier, loyal comrade and friend to all, this will be a day marked forever with great sadness.

Sapper Azimkar’s tireless efforts during training for Afghanistan will always stand out to me as the mark of a man committed both to the Army and the service of those around him. Whether at work or play, Sapper Azimkar never failed to raise a smile with his happy go lucky approach. To command a soldier of this quality has been the greatest privilege and one which I will remember with pride.

My condolences and the heartfelt sympathy of the whole Squadron go out to Sapper Azimkar’s family and friends, as we now struggle to come to terms with the death of this hugely popular young soldier.

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

I met Sapper Azimkar during my first ‘O’ Group as a Troop Commander. He was sat in the corner of the Troop office; quiet and reserved, he had a cheeky smile on his face and an air of confidence about him. I liked him instantly. The more I got to know him I realised just how popular he was amongst the Troop. Pat was looking forward to deploying on Operations and would have made a good JNCO on his return in September. He will be sorely missed this summer in Afghanistan, and for a long time after. For my part he was strong, reliable and likeable soldier who was a pleasure to command. Our thoughts now turn to his family and friends at home in the UK.

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

A fantastic footballer character, be it in the bar or during day to day life. Work or play he was always on top of his game, it was almost impossible not to like Pat.

Sapper Dave Darling, 2 Troop 25 Field Squadron writes [22 April 2009]:

He was a good soldier and a good friend. He had infinite charisma and was always up for a bit of banter. If someone was in a bad mood he would be the first with the jokes to try and get them laughing again.

Cpl Trish Hughes, 2 Troop, 25 Field Squadron writes [22 April 2009]:

Pat was a very very good soldier, he was a valued member of the section during our pre-deployment training in Kenya. He was a grafter; he would always do his best in everything he did, not only that though, he was a good friend to everyone in the troop and always full of morale. He would love to crack a joke when things were low to put things on a high again. Pat will be sorely missed by myself; especially that cheeky smile of his. My thoughts go out to both families back home, Pat and Mark, I will always remember you both.

Lcpl Khan, 2 Troop, 25 Field Squadron writes [22 April 2009]:

Pat Azimkar was a brilliant mate, a very good, hard working soldier. I got to know him even more when I was put in the same troop as him for Operation HERRICK 10. What hurts the most is that he was the first one who came to me and told he that he was going to come home to Fiji with me after Afghan, it’s hard just to think about Fiji now even though that is my home as Pat won’t be there. He would have made the trip to Fiji a memorable one for all those travelling, with his cheeky smile and quick funny comments. What made me laugh and look forward to the trip was when he said that ‘ladies had better look out as Pat will be about’. I remember when we were on pre-deployment training, Pat and I were on a roof of a building on stag, it was below freezing, we were soaking and were very tired trying to stay focussed; he thought it would be a good idea if we talked about Fiji, the sun and the sand. He though thinking and talking about it might heat us up … well it didn’t, but it did get both of us excited. I will miss you my brother. Fiji won’t be the same without you when I go home in October. My heart goes out to the families of both soldiers. Rest in Peace. We will always remember you.

Lcpl J Coombes, 2 Troop, 25 Field Squadron writes [22 April 2009]:

I didn’t know Pat for that long but when we were sent to Kenya for Operational Training we clicked as mates straight away and have been good mates ever since. Through Kenya, and Operational Training, Pat was always a good laugh and would pull you up when you were low; if you ever wanted to go out for a drink or play a game of poker, Pat would be there. I will always cherish the times with Pat, and he will always be missed.

Patrick's Family writes [22 April 2009]:

Patrick was a great character and a good sport who never said anything bad about anyone. Decisive, generous, proud and dignified he really enjoyed Army life. He particularly enjoyed living in Belfast and he talked of settling there with his girlfriend after his return from Afghanistan – a mission which he was within just two hours of leaving for.

His brother James said he was courageous, strong and a loyal and true friend.

Stevie Gray writes [23 July 2010]:

Joind the corps in 1975

Return to the top of the page...

Spr Cengiz Azimkar