The loss of 'Koops' is being felt throughout Battalion (From Basingstoke Gazette)

The loss of 'Koops' is being felt throughout Battalion

12:00am Sunday 30th September 2012 in Andover

THE British soldier killed in Afghanistan last Friday had been based in Tidworth since 2011.

Sergeant Jonathan Eric Kups, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) died in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan on 21 September 2012.

Sergeant Kups was from Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He was born on 28 October 1973 and joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in June 1992 where he trained as an electronics technician. In the early years of his career, he specialised in radar and ground to air weapons, completing an operational tour in Northern Ireland.

As he progressed through his career he turned his expertise to the operation and repair of Electronic Warfare systems, subsequently completing a number of deployments with 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare).

In 2011 Sergeant Kups moved to 104 Force Support Battalion REME before being attached to 4 Close Support Battalion REME for its deployment on Operation HERRICK 16.

The MoD said that with his vast experience, Sergeant Kups was able to effectively lead and develop his soldiers in a very busy electronic repair section. A man of considerable military experience, Sergeant Kups was well respected by his section and by the unit as a whole.

Sergeant Kups’ untimely death is a great loss to his family and the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He leaves behind his wife and three children.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Smyth, Commanding Officer, 104 Force Support Battalion REME, said: “Sergeant Jonathan Kups, or ‘Koops’ as he was known, arrived at the Battalion in 2011. A real character, his dry and quick witted sense of humour made him a pleasure to work with and he was extremely popular across all the ranks.

“A man of real substance, Sergeant Kups’ maturity and considerable experience enabled him to quickly become a vital member of the Electronics Platoon. Without delay he made an immediate impact within his Company, developing and training his soldiers and ensuring that they were all fully competent and able to deliver essential electronics support in Afghanistan and back in the UK; his clear and dynamic leadership guaranteed success.

“He immersed himself in all aspects of Battalion and Company life and I swiftly recognised him as one of my ‘go to’ Senior Non- Commissioned Officers when a task needed completing quickly, efficiently and to the highest standard.

“His loss will be felt across the entire Battalion and our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time.”