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Cpl Graeme Stiff

Corporal Graeme Stiff of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) was killed in Helmand province on Sunday 15th March, 2009. He had been travelling to the west of Garmsir when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.

Tributes have been paid to Corporal Graeme Stiff of the Light Aid Detachment of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, who died in an explosion while serving in Afghanistan. He was 24 and on his first operational tour. His colleague Corporal Dean John, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, died in the same incident.
Grimsby man Corporal Stiff, known as “Stiffy”, came from a military background, having accompanied his father across the world on various military postings and was born in Munster, Germany.
His family paid tribute, saying: "Graeme was a loving and loved brother, son and grandson whose life was cruelly brought to an end. Like so may on operations he gave his life so that others may live better ones. His mother and father and brother will always remember him for the joy that he brought to everyone's life. We miss you so much already and you will live in our hearts and minds forever.”
He was also leaves his girlfriend Lauren.
Major Charlie Waggett, Squadron Leader, A Sqn, QDG, said: “Stiffy was a lovely character; a mild man at heart, with a fun and caring manner. His love for his girlfriend was so very evident, and he would always place a picture of her on his driver's dashboard, so she would never be too far from his thoughts. We will miss Stiffy so much. He was a friend to so many, and our loss must now be tempered, as our thoughts and support turn to his family and his girlfriend Lauren, to whom we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences."
The Army said in a statement how he excelled in his field and greatly looked forward to deploying to Afghanistan. He quickly proved to be a most reliable driver and craftsman in the demanding environment of southern Helmand.
The statement said: “He was a hardworking and happy individual who loved his job and the friendships and camaraderie of his team. He revelled in his Corps' motto of 'Arte et Marte' ('By Skill and by Fighting') and was always found tinkering with his Jackal and ensuring that it was ready for action. He was a shining example of a REME craftsman, working hard and playing hard, and adding every minute to the morale and happiness of the Squadron. He was exceptionally adaptable and in great demand for his expertise, often volunteering to go out on patrol even when exhausted; yet he was still able to improve the morale of those around him.“
Lieutenant Colonel Alan Richmond, Commanding Officer QDG, said: "The loss of Stiffy is a great burden for the Regiment and will impact significantly upon the close-knit Fitter Section within which he was such a pivotal character. He was an incredibly genuine individual; mild, quiet, caring and selfless with a sharp sense of humour and lust for life. He enjoyed his job and loved the challenges that it brought, but above all loved the people with whom he lived and worked.”
Staff Sergeant Marcus Waugh, Troop Leader of Fitter Section, A Sqn QDG, said: "Graeme had a potential that is rarely seen amongst others. Although new in rank he displayed a confidence and enthusiasm that saw him compete amongst the best of his peer group. Intelligent and articulate, Graeme had only just embarked upon what undoubtedly would have been a long and rewarding career in the Armed Forces.
Keen to exploit opportunities and his own potential, Graeme had developed an ambition to attend Army helicopter pilot training; and clearly possessing the attributes of intelligence, diligence and enthusiasm, he would have undoubtedly excelled.”
He enlisted into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 2004. After passing out of training, he was posted to 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, where he served as an Electronics Technician in A Squadron's Fitter Section.
Away from his trade, he was a keen sportsman and a particularly skilful footballer who represented both the REME and QDG at football. He also enjoyed his time in the gym – either training by himself or 'spotting' for his friends.