Private JD Grigg Royal Anglian Regiment

Obituary for Private JD Grigg

Pte James Grigg was born in Hartismere, Suffolk, in January 1989. It was at his local school where he developed his first passion in life – the glorious game of cricket. After he left the school he continued to coach their team. It was only later, once he had passed out of training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, that he developed his twin passion – being a Viking soldier – and Pte Grigg was utterly loyal to The Regiment. He had only been in the Battalion just over a year when he deployed to Afghanistan, where he served in A (Norfolk) Company. He was tragically killed in an IED blast whilst on an operation to the north of Musa Qaleh.

WM

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

Pte James Grigg joined A (Norfolk) Company just over 18 months ago and this was his first operational tour and one he was rightly proud to be part of. A thoroughly professional soldier, he was also a real character with a sense of humour that ensured he was popular amongst his Platoon.

An all-round sportsman, he really excelled at cricket and his contribution to the team last summer ensured that the Company was victorious in the Battalion competition. Always smiling and never complaining, James will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with his family and friends. Despite leaving a hole in our ranks, I know he would have wanted us to continue with our mission. He had quickly become and always will be, a true Viking.

Lt Simon Broomfield, Officer Commanding 3 Platoon, adds further:

Pte James Grigg was a great soldier, a capable sportsman and an excellent cricketer. He was a joy to have in my Platoon. An intelligent and thinking soldier, he was quiet but well liked by his team mates. He had a razor sharp wit. He and I followed the test matches religiously on BFBS and he could be found thumbing his way through my Wisden cricket magazine when ever I was not reading it myself.

Words cannot express the loss that 3 Platoon feel now that he has been killed, but it did not stop our resolution in the task we had ahead of us on the tour. I speak for the whole of 3 Platoon when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with his family.