Capt Martin Driver, aged 31, originally from Barnsley, commissioned into the Vikings on 16 December 2006. He had previously served in the Parachute Regiment’s TA Battalion while at university and deployed during this time on operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

Having completed the Commissioning Course at RMA Sandhurst, he deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 6 in 2007. After two years commanding his Platoon, he was posted to study Arabic at the Defence School of Languages, Beaconsfield, and promoted to captain. He returned to the Vikings as 2IC A (Norfolk) Company. It was in this role that he deployed to Afghanistan for the second time in October 2009 and was Acting Company Commander when he was tragically injured by an IED blast whilst on patrol in Musa Qaleh. He died of his wounds in Selly Oak Hospital on 15 March 2010.

WM

Maj Stuart Smith, Officer Commanding A (Norfolk) Company, adds:

Capt Martin Driver finally succumbed to his wounds three weeks after sustaining a terrible injury and it is testament to his strength of character that he held on for so long. Martin was an exceptionally talented young officer. Using his vast operational experience to best effect, he was not only an excellent Company Second in Command, but had also been earmarked for future key roles within the Battalion. He was diligent in his role, but he also brought his dry sense of humour to the fore as he mentored the platoon commanders. At the time of his injury he was acting as Company Commander and was relishing the opportunity of commanding the Company on operations. Hugely popular across the whole spectrum of ranks and a great friend to so many of us in the Battalion, he will be greatly missed. His passing has left a huge gap in the Battalion’s ranks but I know that as a dedicated officer, he would have wanted the Company to continue on with its mission.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his parents, brother David and girlfriend Jo, at this very difficult time, particularly as they had held vigil at his bedside for three long weeks. A great man and a great friend, Martin was and always will be the epitome of a true Viking Officer.