Private SJ Mugridge Royal Anglian Regiment

Obituary for Private SJ Mugridge

Pte Scott Mugridge, who died whilst on exercise on 14 April 2008, aged 20, was a widely known and well loved member of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.

Having joined the Poachers in May 2006, he quickly established himself as a rifleman of the highest order in 6 Platoon, B Company, and his untimely death came whilst working in that role.

Scott Mugridge, ‘Muggers’ to most, was born on 26 July 1987. In August 2005 he joined the Army and spent the obligatory 28 weeks at Catterick, going on to join the Battalion in Tern Hill. In June 2006 he deployed with the Battalion to Iraq on Op Telic 8 and, on his return, moved to Celle, Germany. Whilst serving on tour he was wounded in an RPG attack, suffering shrapnel wounds to his face, neck and arms and was returned to the UK for rehabilitation. Even whilst lying in a hospital bed, he was still smiling and wanting to rejoin his comrades. The resolve and enthusiasm he showed in training for Op Telic 12 was remarkable given his circumstances and typified Scott’s attitude towards the Army.

For so many who served with Scott he will be remembered as a dedicated professional, a fine example to all. He was an accomplished rifleman and was due to be considered for attendance on the next Junior NCO Cadre. He was especially adept with turret mounted machine guns and his watchful eye was always welcome. Sadly it was whilst fulfilling this role that he was killed when his Mastiff armoured vehicle overturned.

Scott was a mordant wit, whose sarcasm was both hilarious and insightful. He was enthusiastic about his job and his friends and would do his utmost for both. He especially enjoyed playing football and he was a useful left winger for the Platoon team.

A funeral with full military honours was held for Scott in Luton, with many who had served with, or knew him, present. His Bearer Party were his comrades from B Company who had been with him on the last tour.

Scott will be greatly missed by the Poachers and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends, about whom we shall always be thinking.

GEJW