Daniel Hume

Soldier | Died in 2009

Rifleman who passed out of Catterick as top recruit

Rifleman Daniel Hume, aged 22, of The 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed by an explosion while on patrolnear Nad e-Ali, Helmand province, in Afghanistan on 9 July 2009.

Born in Slough, he moved to Maidenhead where he was educated at Furze Platt Senior School and then at Reading College.

He started mountain bike racing at the age of 12 joining the Mountain Bike UK / SCOTT bikes squad in 2002. By the end of the season he was 3rd in the national rankings, with six wins to his name. It was clear even at this stage that he was a genuine star in the making. More success followed and in 2004 he came 42nd in the Downhill World Cup.

But he accepted that he could not make a career in bike racing, despite his passion for it, and a career in the military beckoned.

Initially he headed towards the Royal Marines, attending the Commando Course in 2007. Displaying his typical determination and physical ability, he was nearing the end of the course when he took himself off for personal reasons. Over the next year he worked for a courier company before the call of the bugle drew him to the Army.

His Commanding Officer, Lt Col Rupert Jones MBE, said: "The Royal Marines' loss was the Rifles' gain. In training he was nothing short of a star; always first in everything, immaculately turned out, but always there for his mates and up for a laugh. When his friends were struggling, he was there for them with a kind and encouraging word and assistance. He was a natural prankster and up for a challenge, but despite this mischievous streak, like the very best Riflemen, he was never caught."

He only arrived in 4 Rifles at the end of April 2009 having just passed out from ITC Catterick where he was the top student.

Lt Col Jones added:"Rifleman Daniel Hume always said that he wanted one day to be RSM of the Battalion. This may at first appear to be an arrogant boast from a young soldier, but in his case it was anything but this. He was an exceptionally gifted young man who wanted to genuinely do something with his life and it would have been a brave man to bet against him to achieve his ambitions."

He added: "Rifleman Hume was the epitome of the Thinking Rifleman. Early promotion beckoned and he had his eye on a move to the Sniper Platoon to join some of our very finest Riflemen. The Snipers sit at the heart of the Rifles tradition and he would have excelled with them. Mature and perceptive, his aspiration for the year was to complete the tour safely. Cruel fate has denied him this"

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Your Memories

Rifleman Daniel Hume's family issued the following statement:

Daniel passed out of Catterick as top recruit and since joining the Army he was the happiest we had known him, he had truly found his place in the world. He believed in what the British army was trying to achieve and was confident. He was proud to serve his country and was planning to move Battalion when he returned, so that he could guarantee a speedy return to Afghanistan.

We have lost a son and a best friend, his death has left a huge void in our lives, we are fiercely proud of him. Lasting Tribute — 11.07.2009

From his Officer Commanding, Major Neil Bellamy:

Rifleman Daniel Hume had a tremendous amount of energy surrounding him and only had one gear - 5th gear! He would approach every task whether small and insignificant or vitally important with the same degree of diligence and enthusiasm. I first came across Rifleman Hume during the RSOI package helping to organise his Section with the style of an ambitious young JNCO. I was surprised to find out later that day that he was a relative new boy and it was apparent to me then that he was destined for a rapid rise up the promotion ladder.

As a selfless and incredibly professional young soldier, he will remain as an example to us all, but more importantly as a close friend and fellow Rifleman he will be greatly missed by us all. Lasting Tribute — 11.07.2009

Company Sergeant Major, WO2 Danny McCreith, said:

Rifleman Hume came across as soldier with more experience, drive and will to succeed than many of his more senior colleagues.

I remember one of our first days in PB SILAB, when Rifleman Hume and I helped build a Sangar at the front gate. I can honestly say that I have never come across a Rifleman who put so much effort into a task and felt so much pride in the achievement. It was at this stage that I spoke to the OC and highlighted a star for the future. Rifleman Hume had genuine desire to win and this was evident during a 5-a-side football match against the Gunners on one of our quieter days. Rifleman Hume had to be substituted because of his over enthusiastic approach, no malice just raw energy.

I have no doubt that this young soldier had a bright future ahead of him and my thoughts at this very difficult time lie with his family and friends. RIP Rifleman Daniel Hume from one Rifleman to another. Lasting Tribute — 11.07.2009