Barry Keen

Sergeant Barry Keen of 14 Signal Regiment was killed by a mortar attack in Afghanistan on Friday 27 July 2007.

Barry was serving as a communications specialist with 245 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, attached to Battle Group South. The Battle Group is currently deployed on Operation CHAKUSH or 'hammer', a deliberate operation to defeat the Taliban in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. The operation was in its fourth day of fierce fighting when Barry was killed in an indirect fire attack on a compound near the village of Mirmandab. He and his team were reorganising themselves in a secured area after acting in support of the Afghan National Army when a single mortar round landed next to Barry. Despite being located with the Regimental Aid Post and receiving immediate medical treatment, sadly his injuries were too severe and he died. During his six month tour in Afghanistan Barry had thoroughly proved himself as a dedicated soldier with a flair for helping others. This trait had been strongly evident throughout his career and typified a man who always thought of others before himself. Modest to a tee he was respected by all who met him. He died doing the job he loved helping his fellow soldiers perform their duties in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. It is also a mark of his quality that he had recently been selected to attend specialist communications training. He was due to commence his intensive training in September at Blandford Camp in Dorset. He was an experienced and professional soldier and everyone is deeply saddened by his death. He died on an important mission supporting the Afghan National Army to bring security and stability to their people.

Barry aged just thirty-four was from Rowlands Gill in Gateshead and had spent nearly eighteen years in the Army having joined in August 1989. Barry or Baz as also known was such a special person who everyone loved and cared for and I know that everyone has long lasting memories of him that they will remember for the rest of their lives. His long and industrious career included tours in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. The news of his death has been with great sadness to his fellow troops but also with a fierce determination to complete their tasks and to be a force for good in Afghanistan. Barry was the epitome of a Royal Signal senior Non-Commissioned Officer. An inspirational figure within the Troop and he was widely respected and well liked by all. The soldiers he worked with looked up to him and would willingly deploy alongside him. Barry was a good person who would always put a smile on your face and lift your spirits. He used to make the most of the bad times with his and his friends outrageous banter. He will be sorely missed as a soldier but even more as a friend. Barry was one of those people who naturally brought out the best in all those he worked and had contact with. He was most happy when deployed onto the ground and was not shy in making his feelings known when he was left in barracks while others were out. An excellent team commander and operator Barry lead his team from the front and died carrying out his duty whilst under fire. The Squadron will be so much less without him and all those who knew him will undoubtedly feel his loss greatly. He was a good friend to all and a colourful character with an infectious laugh Barry will not be forgotten. Even though Barry was a senior Non-Commissioned Officer he was and always will be one of the lads and no one will ever forget the friendship they shared with him. Barry has never changed and he was a quality soldier and tradesman who had the ability to make you laugh out loud with his jokes and stories. No one can begin to describe their emotions at this time and the devastating news of Barry's death has come as a shock everyone and there only comfort is that he died doing a job that he loved and that he believed in. Barry will be missed by all those that knew him, not only as a tradesman and a soldier but as a friend.