 Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall.
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An Edmonton-based soldier has been killed during a foot patrol in Afghanistan, a man who felt destined to lead soldiers in combat, says a friend.
"He felt compelled to do this, that it was his duty. I know deep inside he knew he was capable of leading men into combat," said Craig Patterson, a friend and former employer of Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall.
Nuttall died yesterday alongside a soldier from the Afghan National Army by an improvised explosive device, said the Department of National Defence.
They were patrolling near the Village of Nakhonay in the Panjwaii District, 25 km south of Kandahar City.
Nuttall was a member of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
The explosion also injured an Afghan interpreter, said the department.
"At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen Canadian and Afghan comrades," the department wrote in a release.
Patterson, who pegged Nuttall's age around 30, says the soldier's parents currently live in Victoria, B.C.
A blog apparently written by Nuttall talks about the threat posed by IEDs.
"Though not everything is rosy and nice. As you've all probably heard, our battle group has already lost two really good guys to IEDs," said an entry posted on Nov. 15. "Both were friends of mine, Justin was a really good friend."
Lt. Justin Boyes of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was killed in an IED explosion Oct. 28.
"I appreciate all of your remembrance and well wishes. All of us here are very proud to be doing this, no one is doubting their decision to be here, and all of us know how strongly we are supported by great people like yourselves back home."
A Dec. 1 post talks about Nuttall's disdain for the enemy's IED tactics and goals.
Extremist elements ... "utilize cowardice hit-and-run and IED tactics in order to sway the civilian population of Afghanistan and North America to pull their troops out."
On news that his tour being extended, he wrote, "we all believe in what we're doing and an extra few weeks isn't going to hurt anyone in the long run (as long as we maintain our vigilance of course). Plus if I end up getting home then, I'll get to celebrate my b-day with lots of friends and family."
Patterson, who owns a Vancouver fitness company which Nuttall attended and then coached, said he was devastated by the news of Nuttall's death.
"I don't know what the chances are of stepping on IED. He was probably leading the way," he said. "Andy was the kind of guy that put everyone else before himself. It was in his eyes."
Nuttall is the 134th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, and the 28th this year.
richard.liebrecht@sunmedia.ca
