Tributes to tragic guardsman

Jul 19 2007 By Anna Jeys, Birmingham Mail

FRIENDS and colleagues today paid tribute to a Birmingham soldier who was killed as he tried to protect his comrades in Afghanistan.

Guardsman Daryl Hickey, aged 27, of Rutland Drive, Yardley, was shot dead as he provided covering fire when fellow soldiers attacked an enemy position in Helmand on Thursday.

The devoted Blues fan was due home on leave next month.

Guardsman Hickey, who served in 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, joined the army in 2001 having previously had jobs as a milkman and at Birmingham International Airport.

Today friends of the popular soldier paid tribute to him, describing him as a "wonderful man".

Darren Graham, a former fellow Guardsman, said: "Daryl Hickey was my best friend in and out of the army. Myself and my family will miss him more than words can ever say.

"He is a wonderful man that always made people smile with his quick wit. He will always be close to my heart I will never forget him.

"No-one will ever fill the gap in my life that Daryl has left."

Tracy Quinn became friends with Daryl when they worked at Birmingham airport and last saw him in February before he was deployed to Afghanistan.

She said: "He was an amazing person. We shared many a good time together with other friends too. He had a wonderful personality and presence."

Schoolfriend Mary Healy, of Sparkhill, said: "He was always a gentleman and looked after me when we were younger. I am privileged to have known him. Daryl was quiet but had that something about him that made you want to spend time with him and be around him.

Gary Garratt, a friend and ex-colleague, said: "Daryl was like a legend. I am grateful to have known him."

Friend Matt Evans said: "His reserved, affable nature concealed a deep intelligence and razor sharp wit, which made him a legend to those who knew him. What a waste."