The 23-year-old found dead in a Timperley house earlier this week has been revealed to be a “selfless and courageous” former soldier who had been terribly injured in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan.
Bradley Paul was a private with the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, when a bomb in 2012 in Helmand Province severed an artery in his neck and left him with multiple fractures.
He was subsequently treated at the Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Birmingham, a specialist military hospital, for more than 12 months.
He was medically discharged from the army last year, and his former commanding officer said his life-changing injuries had left Private Paul with a “silent struggle” as he struggled to come to terms with what had happened.
He was found dead at his home on Brentwood Avenue in Timperley at around 5pm on Tuesday. He had suffered a neck wound, and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Now his family and friends want to raise awareness of the issues faced by former and serving military personnel, and are highlighting the work of veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
An appeal has also been set up to raise funds for a funeral for Private Paul – donations can be made here.
Below: Bradley Paul doing a charity skydive with his mum, Sam
Private Paul had originally been deployed to Afghanistan in September 2012 and worked as a “point man”, clearing routes for teams of soldiers by checking for hidden devices with a metal detector.
Just two months later he was caught up in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at a river crossing shortly after leading a team of soldiers to collect supplies.
Captain Chris Middleton, Private Paul’s infantry platoon commander, said: “He was struggling with coming to terms with everything that had happened. It was a silent struggle.
“He was a great character in the platoon. He was one of the guys that the other lads looked up to and respected. He was physically and mentally very strong and he had a very good sense of humour.
“As the front man of his patrol everyday, Brad carried the weight of responsibility for lives of his mates on his shoulders every time he stepped out the gate.”
Below: Bradley Paul on operation
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood MBE, Commanding Officer 1 MERCIAN, said: “I was saddened to learn of Brad’s tragic passing. He made a lasting impression on all those that knew him, and he will always be remembered for his larger-than-life character and his wicked sense of humour.
“Perhaps, most importantly, he is remembered for the huge personal sacrifice he made in the service of his country when serving in Afghanistan in 2012.
“He was a selfless and courageous soldier who instinctively put the needs of others before his own. Though he suffered life-changing injuries, he demonstrated immense courage, resolve and strength of character throughout his long recovery.
“He has earned a special place in the hearts of the Mercian Regiment and his memory will never fade.
“As a Regimental family, we will rally to support Brad’s mother, brother, and wider family and friends at this most difficult time to honour this most courageous veteran, and our thoughts are with them.”
Combat Stress is currently supporting 740 Afghanistan veterans. It can be contacted on 0800 138 1619.
The appeal to raise funds for Private Paul’s funeral can be found here.
Below: Bradley Paul on operation
