According to the Ministry of Defence, a soldier from Britain passed away while not on duty in Kenya.
32-year-old Maj Kevin McCool was allegedly on a motorcycle excursion outside of the military base when he was targeted. The Ministry of Defense confirmed his passing on November 29th, however, they have stated that they will not be disclosing further information. His family has been notified.
Grant Shapps, the UK’s defense secretary, referred to his passing as a “devastating loss”. He went on to state that Major McCool was held in high regard by those who knew him, both as an outstanding individual and as a dedicated soldier. He served his country with honor and was greatly admired.
I extend my condolences and thoughts to his loved ones, friends, and coworkers as they cope with this devastating loss.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, expressed his sympathy for the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Maj McCool following their devastating loss. The outpouring of tributes for him reflects his dedication, honesty, and courage in serving his country. His service will always be remembered.
McCool was commissioned from Sandhurst in August 2014 and served in Europe, the Middle East, the Falklands and Africa. “As well as a glittering operational record, he also aced many of the military’s hardest courses. His fitness was legendary, once beating the whole battalion on a two-miler, as was his endurance,” the MoD said.
According to his superior, McCool was “enjoying life to the fullest, pursuing a career he was passionate about, surrounded by people he cared for”.
He added: “I will never forget my final memory of him, which was on operations; he had just come off the ground having slept a handful of hours in as many days. We discussed the possibility of having to deploy another team into the operational furnace from which he had just come. He stopped me mid-sentence, fixed me with his piercing blue eyes, and simply said: ‘Send me.’
“A shining light within our group has passed. He will be remembered and deeply missed.”
The leader stated that McCool was the most exceptional among us, and praised his adventurous spirit and unwavering determination. McCool’s eyes radiated with a sense of purpose and he embodied a true pilgrim spirit. He was highly intelligent, proactive, and selfless, finding joy in serving others and tackling challenges head on.
“His bravery and skills were demonstrated during his time as a soldier. As a commander, his charismatic personality and approachable demeanor were admired by all who crossed paths with him. As an individual, his profound modesty showcased a wisdom beyond his age.”
The British military has a continuous training assistance team located primarily in Nanyuki, 124 miles north of Nairobi, and a small group also stationed in Kenya’s capital.
According to the army’s website, it offers rigorous training to units that are preparing to be deployed for operations or take on tasks that require high readiness.
Batuk, the British Army Training Unit in Kenya, is made up of approximately 100 full-time members and an additional 280 temporary personnel for reinforcement purposes.
Each year, as part of a deal with the Kenyan government, up to six infantry battalions participate in eight-week training exercises in Kenya.
Source: theguardian.com
