Soldier Killed By Elephant During Anti-Poaching Operation

7 May 2019, 15:28 | Updated: 7 May 2019, 15:31

A Windsor-based soldier has died while on counter-poaching operations in Malawi, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

It is understood that Mathew Talbot, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on May 5 when he was killed by an elephant.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Launders, described the 22-year-old as a "determined and big-hearted" man, who devoted his life to serving his country.

"It was typical of his character to volunteer for an important and challenging role in Malawi," Lt Col Launders added.

"He was hugely proud of his work as a counter-poaching operator, and tragically died doing great good.

"Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit.

"My deepest condolences go to his parents, family and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this desperately sad time."

With more than 30 British troops currently based in Malawi, where they are working to combat poaching, the MoD said this was Guardsman Talbot's first operational deployment.

The MoD said he was an "exceptionally kind and friendly individual" who would often befriend locals and learn their language.

His company commander, Major Richard Wright, said: "Guardsman Talbot bravely lost his life whilst ensuring that endangered species will be around for future generations to learn from and enjoy."

Maj Wright said the loss of Guardsman Talbot would be felt throughout the battalion, adding that he leaves behind his father Steven, mother Michelle, sisters Aimee and Isabel, and girlfriend Olivia.

Those that worked with him and were closest to Guardsman Talbot have described him as a "proud Brummie", who was hard-working and always "laughing and cracking jokes".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said Guardsman Talbot served with "great courage and professionalism", and was carrying out "vital" anti-poaching work.

"This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife," she added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.