Tributes to 'remarkable' Army officer Max George killed in Salisbury training exercise months after joining battalion | The Sun
AN Army officer who died during a routine exercise on Salisbury Plain had a "glittering career in front of him," his devastated colleagues have said.
Second Lieutenant Max George, 26, was found with significant head injuries after crashing with an armoured vehicle on Monday.
Emergency services were rushed to the Wiltshire training ground, but Max could not be saved.
He died at the scene, just west of Tidworth, after crashing with a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle – thought to weigh around 25 tonnes.
An Army Spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier in Wiltshire on 21st June 2022.
"Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
Read More Army
£30million Army drone plunges into sea in latest failure for £1.2bn scheme
Ukraine pays tribute to Brit hero after he was killed fighting Russian troops
Max had been taking part in routine training alongside other forces in the 5th Battalion The Rifles when he died.
He had joined the battalion in December last year and has since been hailed by his colleagues as a "remarkable" officer "admired by all ranks".
Paying tribute, the Ministry of Defence, said: "Max had a glittering career in front of him, excited by the prospect of an imminent overseas deployment to Canada and whatever might follow.
"A remarkable and talented young man who had so much to offer, the Battalion and Regiment will miss him dearly and we send our sincere condolences to all his family and friends."
Most read in News
BEACHED 
Travellers who 'threw water at topless sunbather' hit back saying 'we live free'
Kate Bush reveals real reason she let Stranger Things use hit song
Hero pilot averts disaster by spotting Peppa Pig 'walking across' busy runway
Girl, 7, dies after being pulled from hotel pool & rushed to intensive care
Max joined his battalion early and took command of 13 Platoon, D Company, 5 RIFLES.
He was described by the MoD as "humble and grounded," with leadership skills backed by "steely determination and grit".
Lt Col Jim Hadfield OBE, Commanding Officer 5 RIFLES said: "Max was a star that burned bright.
"Effortlessly impressive, he was a natural commander, who exuded fierce determination matched by selfless compassion.
"We loved him for it. He stood out, and still stands out; we are so much poorer for his loss."
'HUMBLE & GROUNDED'
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added today: "Max exemplified all the qualities the Army stands for and as the testimonies show, we have lost a bright and talented young man who will be sorely missed.
"My thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his regiment during this difficult time."
Salisbury Plain is a large military training area for the British Army.
The Army will now carry out an investigation alongside police and the Health and Safety Executive.
The 5 Rifles are based at nearby Bulford, Wilts, and are known as "one of the most potent war-fighting infantry battalions" of the British Army.
It was the last unit in Afghanistan in 2014 and the first to be deployed in NATO's Enhanced Forward presence in Estonia.
The battalion has previously served in Iraq, Kenya and Belize and has a reputation for being 'first in, last out'.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police, said on Monday: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
"His family are being supported by a specialist family liaison officer.
Read More on The Sun
I’m a size 14 & I’ve found the perfect summer dress from Topshop – it’s so glam
The ‘vampire appliances’ in your kitchen adding the most to your energy bills
"An investigation into the collision is being led by Wiltshire Police alongside the Army and Health and Safety Executive."
Anyone with information is urged to call the Serious Collision Investigation Team via 101 and quote crime reference number 54220064345.
Source: Read Full Article
