The repatriation of a 21-year-old soldier will take place today in Carterton.
Signaller Ian Gerard Sartorius-Jones, of 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron, was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province in Afghanistan, on January 24. Signaller Sartorius-Jones, a former British Tae Kwon Do champion from Runcorn, in Cheshire, leaves behind his wife Kellyanne, son Dylan, parents Robert and Amanda, and brother Alan.
The family of signaller Sartorius-Jones said in a statement: “Ian was a lovable character. He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends.”
Signaller Sartorius-Jones enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following his basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals in Blandford where he started his career as a communications systems operator. He joined 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron in May 2008, when he was deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC 13.
Major Stu Whittley, officer commanding 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron, said: “Signaller Sartorius-Jones was a gregarious, immensely respected and highly capable signaller. One of the longest serving members and biggest characters in the squadron, he had accrued a vast amount of experience in his short career.
“I will remember Signaller Sartorius-Jones for his dedication to his mates, upbeat nature and cutting sense of humour. A hugely popular soldier, notorious for his own individual style and taste in music, he was always to be found at the centre of any activity with a smile on his face.”
Signaller Sartorius-Jones’ repatriation ceremony will take place at the memorial garden on Norton Way at around 2.30pm. The cortege will reach the John Radcliffe at around 3.30pm. To keep up to date on times, which are subject to change, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/repatriations or call 01865 816345.
