Sergeant Matt Tonroe: MoD names first British soldier killed in anti-Isis operations in Syria

The first British soldier to be killed in active duty during operations against Isis has been named as 33-year-old Sergeant Matt Tonroe.

Sergeant Tonroe, who served with the sniper platoon in the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Thursday while embedded with US forces in Syria.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Tonroe at this dreadful time,” said defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

“Sergeant Tonroe served his country with great distinction and it is clear from the tributes made by his colleagues that he was not only exceptionally dedicated and courageous but also a gifted and intelligent instructor who was respected by everyone he served with.

“Sergeant Tonroe fought to protect British values, our freedoms, and to keep us back at home safe. His sacrifice, unflinching commitment and bravery will never be forgotten.”

It is the first death of British service personnel since an international coalition launched operations against Isis in 2014.

The explosion is reported to have taken place in the town of Manbij, 60 miles north-east of Aleppo and close to the border with Turkey. An American serviceman was also killed and five others were injured.

Special forces units are known to be on the ground in Syria but officials have refused to comment on their activities.

Sergeant Tonroe, from Manchester, enlisted in the Army in September 2004 and joined the Parachute Regiment in Colchester after completing his initial training.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the special forces soldier had an “outstanding career” and had been deployed on operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

“It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sergeant Matt Tonroe from the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was tragically killed in action,” the MoD said on its website.

“His distinguished service reflected a man that was happiest when professionally tested on operations. He relished responsibility, the opportunity to contribute and when the time came, to lead. He was a natural in this role.

“Matt was also a capable and respected parachutist. As a gifted instructor he was free with his time and his advice, and would dedicate himself to support and develop this skill in others.

“He was well known within his unit, well liked by all and he will be sorely missed. When talking of Matt, his colleagues recount his humour, mischief and endless endeavours. Laidback, but a consummate professional, Matt was utterly selfless and always strived to achieve excellence.

“Matt was very much a family man, making every effort to see his beloved mum around numerous overseas deployments. He is survived by his mother Michelle, his brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia.”

The soldier’s unnamed commanding officer said in a statement: “If you had met Matt Tonroe, then you would have liked him. He bristled with the contentment of a life lived to its full.

“His bravery and talent as a soldier was matched by his compassion as a human being. He was an individual, with the courage to set his own course, and the perspective to see new possibilities at every turn.

“He was destined for great things in our unit; his leadership was both natural and apparently effortless.

“He is already missed. Without Matt, our company has lost some of its humour, some of its warmth and some of its sheer opportunism. We will always remember him.”

Sgt Tonroe’s commanding officer added: “Matt Tonroe was a deeply intelligent man and one of life’s characters. He was a caring and considerate soul, a loving and dutiful son and a friend to many.

“Yet he had a steel core, served his country with pride and was a first-class soldier, proven in combat, faced risk willingly and was ever ready for more. He thus died as he lived: daring and fearless in duty. We mourn his loss dearly, are proud to have known him and will honour him by continuing this fight.”