Guardsman Downes's vehicle was hit by an explosion when on a patrol with the Afghan National Army (ANA) close to the town of Sangin in Helmand Province.
The Grenadier Guards and the ANA had been taking part in an operation to help widen and deepen irrigation ditches for locals in the area. Guardsman Downes died from the injuries he sustained in the explosion.
I was sat in the British legion with him and his DAD............? Now the thing is i was in the British army between 1987.... 1992.... Once your in your in. kill or be killed... seen or be seen....... benno
bennothegreat1971 4 months ago
so young so proud its a cying shame that man can not love man
why do we have to fight we never learn
nylonTS 8 months ago
RIP lad, would of nice to meet you when i go afghan, RIP and to all those fallen.
JonathanJ100 8 months ago
R.I.P
BritishPatriot3 1 year ago
rest in peace
jamescourt2010 1 year ago
rest in peace mate always remember you pal
partygue123 1 year ago
just seen the alan titichmarsh show where the soldiers where singin letters home based on the letter that this brave man wrote to his family, knowing what could happen him. It must be a really difficult thing to do , write a letter to your loved ones just before you go to war. I am so proud of our boys and girls , its just so wrong that so many are being killed. Im sure Neil is looking down on his family and friends and a day doesnt go pass without them thinking of him. GOD BLESS YOU x
nikkim101 1 year ago
I do not know this man personally. But he looks like a great person and i hope he rests in peace. God bless him and his family.
LegendOfJomtein 1 year ago
I saw him on "Guarding the Queen"
area51er6 2 years ago
Septon Junction in uno R.I.P you fine young Man,you will not be alone..the GUARDSMAN
24488GUARDSMAN 2 years ago