Tributes to Warwickshire soldier killed in Afghanistan
Commanding Officer 2 Rifles Battlegroup, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson said: "Gritty, indomitable and with a rucksack full of charm is how I will remember Sgt Valentine, one of my Fusilier heroes. I met him first in Hounslow and he was infectiously upbeat about everything. He was one of those contagious men whose talent for soldiering reassured everyone in the chain of command up and down. Fusiliers adored him; officers relished his field skills, his fun and his outstanding company."
His Company Commander A Company Group 2RRF, Major Jo Butterfill said: "Sgt Valentine was the sort of Platoon Sergeant that all Company Commanders want. A totally professional, meticulous soldier, whose personal focus and drive masked a genuinely compassionate nature, a wonderful sense of humour and the keenest of eyes for the wellbeing of his men. Hugely operationally experienced, he had excelled during this tour, helping to mould an outstandingly capable rifle platoon through example, strength of personality and sheer hard work."
Colour Sergeant John McCowliff, OC A Company Fire Support Group said: "Simon, it has been an absolute honour to have known you and worked alongside you on operations. You will go down in my book as a legend and good friend who showed no fear just like a true "super hero"."
Sergeant Paul Greenhalgh 3 Platoon, A Company, 2 RRF, a close friend and colleague, said: "If you could say that Val was your friend then you were truly blessed. To me he was my best friend, never asking for anything in return no matter how much he put himself out."
