| Location | Barnsley |
| Age | 31 years |
| Cause of Death | In the Line of Duty |
| Date of Birth | 1979 |
| Date of Death | 15/03/2010 |
| Visitors | 3,292 since 17/03/2010 |
| Creator |
Captain Martin Driver from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment died in Selly Oak Hospital on Monday 15 March 2010 from wounds sustained in an explosion which occurred in the Musa Qal'ah district of Helmand province on the morning of 21 February 2010.
Captain Martin Driver, commissioned into 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, 'The Vikings', on 16 December 2006.
He had previously served in 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA), a TA unit, while at university and deployed during this time on operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.
Having completed the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 in 2007.
After two years commanding his platoon he was posted to study Arabic at the Defence School of Languages in Beaconsfield and promoted to Captain. He returned to 'The Vikings' as the Second-in-Command of A (Norfolk) Company.
It was in this role that he deployed to Afghanistan for the second time in October 2009 with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, and was Acting Company Commander when he was tragically injured by an improvised explosive device blast whilst on patrol in Musa Qal'ah, resulting in his death in Selly Oak Hospital this week.
Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:
"Captain Martin Driver was a quiet and modest officer for whom the Army was his life. This quiet exterior hid a man who was focused and determined. He was one of the strongest Captains in the battalion and showed the potential to achieve great things in the Army.
"He was a superb infantryman and an even better officer. He had a coolness about him - people naturally followed. Intelligent, driven, outstandingly fit and with grit and gravitas - he was planning to attempt Special Forces selection this summer and few in the battalion expected him to return.
"He received his wounds whilst acting as the Company Commander of A (Norfolk) Company, a role he had stepped up to with confidence and poise. This was his fourth operational tour and his second deployment to Afghanistan. He thrived on the intellectual and physical challenges that only operations bring.
"Martin was a popular and utterly decent man and he will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched. He has given his life in the service of his friends in the battalion, for the Royal Anglian Regiment, for his country, and for the people of Afghanistan.
"As individuals and as a battalion, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and girlfriend who have been with him by his side as he has fought for his life over the last month. Martin served as a 'Viking' officer, died commanding 'Viking' soldiers, and will never be forgotten."
I was an exchange student from Texas at the University of Lancaster when I met Martin. During my time there I was introduced to Martin who went out of his way to make an American far from home feel welcome. We ended up being training partners at the gym. Martin was always friendly and generous, and was the best friend I made while at Lancaster. So sorry to learn of his untimely passing.
Andrew Kerr
I did not know martin on a personal basis but he obviously loved his job and family so much. i lost my brother after him spending 6 weeks in critical care at sellyoak and it broke my heart. my thoughts go out to all of his family xx sleep well captain xxx
Martin,
Losing you is so very difficult to put into words as you were such a rare friend to find. You were not only a great soldier, so determined and focused but you were a loyal and caring friend. Over the many years I've known you I always loved your 'flying visits' to say hello and catch up even though I never knew when the next would be. I will miss your sense of fun and adventure which was highly infectious and your cheeky smile. I hope that wherever you are now you've found your next adventure and I'll see you on the other side someday.
x
I have only good memories of this bloke. Our paths firstcrossed on the Arabic Course in 2008/2009. Our group of Infantry Officers had a good laugh at the course we were doing, especially as we all knew we weren't going to use it as all of us would be sent to Afghanistan that year. Martin always had a laugh or smile on hand, and always mega keen to have some banter. He struck me as a man who did not suffer fools glady and someone who was fiercely loyal to his mates, loved ones and to his Regiment.
I am desperately sorry to his loved ones for this tragic loss for someone taken too young. I am also sad that he and I will not get to share a beer again and have a good laugh. Rest in peace mate.
Capt Doug Hayton-Williams
3 YORKS (Duke of Wellington's)
A finer, kinder, more determined gentleman I have never known. You wanted nothing more than to be an excellent soldier and that you achieved admirably. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace my brave friend.
captain martin driver a wonderful brave soldier loved by all especially his parents ,brother and girlfriend. I did not know you but i met your twin brother david who resembled the same likeness of you polite, thoughtful and caring while working on a hospital ward. i know you will be sadly missed but never far away from our hearts,keep watch over david. god bless Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints of snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds in circled lights
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I did not die.
from liz harvest close worsbrough bridge
for you martin
Letter From Heaven
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
love from ann x
Captain Martin Driver
I'm finding it hard to know exactly what to say.
I am sat here and i remember so many good things about you. You always had a smile on your face, you always helped and never snapped, even when i filled your daysack with bricks to go to Roshan, you still laughed when you got to the top.
I will never forget what you said to me that morning.
You truely are a hero to me.
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Sleep well Sir.
Lcpl G. McAdam RAMC
This is for Martin – kind, compassionate, loyal
Companion, son and brother;
An inspiration; a true gentleman; a courageous hero.
It is also for those he leaves behind – his parents, his
Beloved Jo and his twin brother David:
Good men become great when they
Are surrounded by very special people.
I’ve often thought so many folk
Drift upon this sea of life, without direction:
Carried to wherever the tide takes them.
You and your brother, set sail at the same time yet
You fine young men, your zest for life – the depth of
Your characters, so caring, so thoughtful, would not
Allow you to drift aimlessly.
With diligence, you consider and review your course;
You navigate your way through life’s waters with
Determination, a sense of purpose and with steadfast courage –
For you are not deterred by stormy waters,
Even when the waves, dark and menacing, loom overhead;
You do not retreat, but stay -
Protecting, sheltering the ones you cherish.
How cruel the storm, the vicious lighting strike
That tears one vessel asunder. How calm you remain
Brave army Captain, as you work to mend the broken body,
In which you sail. Doing all you can, whilst those devoted
to you gather round, crying out with anguish.
Praying –
To the One who watches over us.
God sees all and weeps also, struggling to bear the pain;
Desperate to save you from the unyielding storm –
The bitter, icy waters.
He reaches out His hand to you.
But the sincerity of your love, your commitment towards
Those precious ones you’ll leave behind causes you -
To hesitate for a while.
The timbers of your wounded ship groan about you,
Yet above the raging seas, you listen to His voice,
Willing you to cling to Him
Tender, reassuring words that promise He will never leave you;
Pledging He’ll stay close and comfort
Those you love - whom amidst the turmoil of this terrible tempest
Must endeavour to sail on.
You grasp His hand, but looking back you call
To dear family and friends, hoping they will hear your words
Above those ghastly peels of thunder.
Urging them to keep heart, encouraging them
That although for now you sail beyond their sight,
Love reaches across the horizon, to where you'll patiently
Wait for them,in calm and silver waters.
VALHALLA
He was acting company commander
With the Vikings did he bravely serve
With the 1st Battalion Royal Anglians
His fate this warrior did not deserve
Musa Qal'ah district Helmand province
This is where our brave soldier he first fell
Injuries sustained from an IED explosion
His Proud family you must go and tell
This brave young man was from Barnsley
Captain Martin Driver aged just thirty one
This hero was flown to Selly Oak hospital
Terribly injured look what they have done
For three weeks Martin bravely battled
Of this brave proud Viking you must tell
He served commanding Viking soldiers
In his final battle as a Viking bravely fell
For the Gods they had looked on Martin
A place in Valhalla they would prepare
This proud soldier so severely injured
Further pain they wished him to spare
Then the Gods came to stand beside him
With his proud family all standing there
Saying goodbye to a brave Viking warrior
Sadly fallen because for others he did care
Now he rests in the halls of Valhalla
With the other Vikings who did fall
Brave sons of proud loving mothers
For others selflessly did give their all
Stuart Bailey. 17.03.10.
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