Darren Chant

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04.11.2009 : C M Walbran ex RAF wrote My thoughts and tears are for your Family Friends and Comrades

You will not be forgotten

Sleep well Brave Hero you will be sorely missed

By all of US that you left behind

In this the Month of Remembrance
04.11.2009 : Hayley Nortcliffe wrote We will remember you as the gentle man that you are ..... RIP Daz and my thoughts go to the loving family, comrades and friends left behind xxx
04.11.2009 : phillipe sleet wrote So very sad to hear about your passing today and also of those that you were serving with. Our hearts go out to those that you have left behind. Rest In Peace Darren. Our love and respect will be with you always.

Phillipe & Evelyn
04.11.2009 : Tina Archell wrote R.I.P Darren, a very old friend who will be sadly missed. Your loss is a tragic waste of a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will never be forgotten.

Tina & Nick Archell
04.11.2009 : Malc Mayoh wrote I remember Chanty for his constant moaning and purging as a young Guardsman in The Queens Company in Munster. However Daz you shown all us old blokes with your commitment what a fine soldier and commander you had become. It is truly tragic mate that you gave your life, and our hearts go out to your family. I spoke to you last year at the P and P and even though you were the top man , the Chanty that i knew of Munster, full of cheek and wise cracks was still shining through. God bless you Daz and it was a great privilege to work with you as a comrade. Totally gutted Malc Mayoh.
05.11.2009 : Elliot Weedon wrote Darren,you were the main man in my year at Whitefields Junior school,always the joker and a laugh,never to be forgotten in my mind. So sorry it has come to this,thoughts to you and your family,Rest in Peace buddy.
Elliot Weedon
05.11.2009 : Louise Allport wrote Despite your playful digs at my being ex-Navy and relishing in letting the Pub know this I knew it was all in good jest with you. My lasting memory will be a happy one of you and Sheeney in the Pub just before you flew out rubbing each other's tummys jokingly, why have you been taken from us and most importantly your family? You were hard Daz but you had the Biggest Heart we knew and your friends knew they could rely on you when it got rough. Seeing you with Sheeney showed us a man who was content and deeply happy with life. Take Care Daz and don't stop the playful jesting up there ok? Its all banter and its all good!! x
05.11.2009 : Darren Wood wrote I am proud to say you were my friend from our school days in Luton. You have made the ultimate sacrifice serving your country for which I cannot comprehend your courage and bravery. You were always a character and I can see that you were a big part of the morale and leadership of your Regiment. God Bless you mate and my deepest sympathies to your loved ones you left behind.
Darren Wood
05.11.2009 : Valerie Redmore wrote I knew CHANTY when he was a young Gdsm in Muenster, West Germany in 1988. He was part of our gang that went to the Tenne Bar and the BMH Disco on a Friday night. He was a georgeous, tall, cheeky chappie and even though he was younger than a lot of us he was mature and wise and great company to be with.

I never heard about him or knew what happened to him until today and I am deeply saddened, as anyone who knew him will be.

Rest in Peace, Chanty. You brought sunshine to our little gang all them years ago and I am sure you carried on spreading it in the years since. The world has lost a true Gentleman and I pass on my sincere condolences to your family.

With Love,

Valerie Loftus - ex Warrant officer (QARANC)
British Military Hospital, Muenster, West Germany 1988
05.11.2009 : Elizabeth Rainbow wrote My memories of you are from many years ago.......such a lovely, lovely guy. We all used to have such a giggle in school. Rest in Peace brave soldier along with your fallen comrades. My thoughts are with your family xxxxx Love Liz
05.11.2009 : Tony Richardson wrote Daz,

I very sad loss to a Hero and Legend, was a pleasure serving with you at Sandhurst, you were your own type of character who was professional to the end you will never be forgotten!!

My love goes out to your family and children.... RIP Daz x

Tony Richardson
Army Physical Training Corps
05.11.2009 : steven greenall wrote I joined the Grenadiers as a kid, same training group as darren. I also bunked with him. Darren was a huge influence on everyone then and, at that time, I was privalidged to call him a friend. The army was not for me; I was too cocky, too arogant and too soft, though even then darren remained my friend and always had a kind supportive word for me. I soon left and darren gave me his mums address, we were only kids, must a been 1987ish, but sadly never kept in touch, too ashamed really. I have a few regrets inlife and not keeping in touch with darren was and is one of them. I recently contacted army friends reunited to see if he and others were there but felt a bit of a fake, so never went through with it. Seen sky news today and seen darrens name on it and tribute on this site and feel a great loss. The country has truly lost a hero and a part of me is lost. I never forgot darren and nerver will. God bless and thank you.
05.11.2009 : Jane Firmin wrote My memories are from our days at school....you were always the cheekiest one at the back of the class with plenty of quips and one liners (along with your mate Steven Christmas RIP)....you made me smile, I was reading my Lea Manor leavers autograph book only the other day....guess what!!! your wishes for me came true :)....I am devastated that your life has been taken and my thoughts and well wishes go out to your family and loved ones xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
05.11.2009 : Tracy Scott wrote I have some great memories of our school days, we all had some real laughs. I'm so glad that we managed to stay in touch during your career in the army and know that you loved your job and were so pleased with your promotion. Our memories of you will always remain dear to us.
05.11.2009 : Nicola Photi (Law) wrote I remember Darren from my school days. I remember him as being tall with a mop of curly hair. Darren was always full of fun, always having a laugh. I used to walk from my house over to his and hang out with Darren and Spencer, not doing anything in particular, just having fun and enjoying life like kids should.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear what has happened to Darren and his comrades.
R I P Darren
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy to your family and friends.

Time may pass and fade away,
But silent thoughts and memories stay.

Luv Nicci.xx
05.11.2009 : Kevin Gorman wrote A true Guards Warrior, friend, colleague and neighbour! I shall relish the memories of our nights in the mess and your wedding day. You are a big man who had a big heart and made an impression on everyone you met. I was proud to have you as a friend and most of all my neighbour. My heart goes out to your family, kids and most of all Sheeney. I was at the opening of the Field of Remembrance earlier this morning and you dominated my thoughts. You will never ever be forgotten my friend. I am sure you will be standing Guard at the gates of Heaven when I march through calling out the time! Until then Rest In Peace Darren!
05.11.2009 : Stephaniae Shea wrote I remember every second of the time we spent together. You are the most passionate funny and loyal person I've ever met. No-one has ever come close, still. Your passion and commitment as a soldier was simply incredible - I remember when we were in Zagreb for New Year, you talking away to a local bus driver who didnt speak a word of English about Manchester Utd of all things, and in Hereford when we were wondering whether you should grow a moustache to fit in. And lastly, that blue panda, Darren...!!
God bless. I love you.
05.11.2009 : Neil Dunnigan wrote
One day this may all make sense but right now there seems to be only questions without answers. What you guys do in the name of Queen and Country I guess those of us back home can never fully understand, but be assured you have my ultimate respect.

Reading through the memories left by others it is clear the positive footprint you have left behind in wherever you have gone, be it friends, family or the army you so loved.

My sincere wishes now to the family you leave behind.

I'm so proud to say I knew you Chanty.

RIP

Neil Dunnigan
05.11.2009 : alison nash wrote I went to whitefields and lea manor with Darren.
A truly brave soldier who gave his life while protecting others.
RIP Darren x.
05.11.2009 : Alison Elson wrote My thoughts are with your family, my heart goes out to them. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Sleep tight, hero. God bless xxxxx
05.11.2009 : Lasting Tribute wrote Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker said:

His death is profoundly sad for the Grenadier Guards and our Battle Group.

He was the senior soldier, and cast from the original model of a Guards Regimental Sergeant Major. He was such a big character. He knew the answer to all our problems; he could make anyone laugh; and he worked tirelessly for everyone in the Battle Group.

He relished the opportunity to put himself where his soldiers were. He had a deep instinctive wish to make a positive difference to the lives of our soldiers and the Afghans, so he put himself forward to better understand the operation from the ground up.

And thus he found himself commanding a team from the Headquarters, working with the Afghan police in a small village in southern Afghanistan. In a few short weeks he'd changed the relationship between the police and the villagers for the better.

To them he was the face of integrity and professional conduct, and on him rested their hopes for a better future. But his success was a threat, and he was cowardly struck down.
05.11.2009 : Lasting Tribute wrote Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker, Commanding Officer, First Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:

The sun has set here in Afghanistan, and with it has gone a tremendously brave soldier and personal friend, taken down in his prime. He had such a bright military career ahead as a Late Entry Commissioned Officer. He's on a journey home now, borne with all the dignity this proud man deserves, to an adoring family. They can be so proud of him.

All that remains here is an enormous gap in our ranks; but in time our memories of him will overfill the void."
05.11.2009 : Lasting Tribute wrote Major Andrew James, Senior Major, First Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:

WO1 (RSM) – 'The Sergeant Major' – Darren Chant and I have served together for 18 years. He was one of the most immaculate men I have ever known – in all senses of the word: in his turn out, his professionalism, his inimitable style of robust compassion and above all the exceptionally high standards he set for himself before others.

In the last 12 intensive months prior to the tour I have come to know, like, respect and trust him more and more each passing day.

He was a rare individual, possessing both an imposing physical presence and an imposing personality. No one who met him even once is likely to forget him. He has inspired, shaped and 'gripped' many a young officer either at Regimental Duty or during his postings to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an instructor of future generations of officers.
05.11.2009 : Lasting Tribute wrote Major Andrew James, Senior Major, First Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:

He was being considered, and was a leading runner, for the top Warrant Officer's post in the British Army, the Academy Sergeant Major.

There are many competing facets to deploying a Battalion on contemporary operations and The Sergeant Major is the key player in resolving most of them.

We would have daily discussions with the Operations Officer on how to tackle the next issue. I knew that once he had it in his grasp, the problem was gone.

The indelible memory I have of him is standing in (and filling) the doorway after each such discussion saying, 'Not a problem, leave it with me, Sir, I'll sort it.' And so he did.
05.11.2009 : Lasting Tribute wrote Major Mark 'Vince' Gaunt OBE, Quartermaster, First Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:

Daz Chant was not only a good friend but an outstanding soldier to work alongside.

His death is a huge loss to the Regiment and my immediate thoughts and sympathy are with his family, his wife Sheenie and his children Connor, Victoria and Adam of whom I know he was hugely proud.

He was a man that you would only have to have had the briefest of dealings with for you to remember him forever.

He was a big bear of a man and his presence was what anyone would expect from a Regimental Sergeant Major, a larger than life character who would always have an opinion and would tell you whether you wanted to hear it or not.

No one could ever escape his eye if you were in his gaze it was either going to be painful or painfully funny, never in between.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Chant