Pulborough soldier to be included in memorial

Lance Corporal James Brynin, 22, of the Intelligence Corps, died on Tuesday October 15 after his Section became the target of enemy fire.

James is the first soldier from the village to have lost his life since 1948. His dad Efrem, mum Sharon, sister Yasmin, and girlfriend Olivia, said: “Heart of a lion, we will always stand strong for you. We will never forget. Rest in peace.”

Friends and councillors have offered their condolences to the family.

Pulborough parish councillor Martin Dale said: “We will be planting a memorial and peace garden to commemorate the casualties - military and civilian - from Pulborough, and also to recognise the services and sacrifices made by the villagers on the home front during the two world wars. The project was to commemorate all casualties since World War One, which until this Tuesday (October 15) meant the last casualty was in 1948, so this project has become much more poignant.”

Horsham district councillor Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) added: “It’s the ultimate sacrifice.

“Unless you’re there yourself you can’t comprehend for these soldiers. It’s always very sad.”

Father Paul Welch of St Mary’s Church in Pulborough said: “We’re praying for him and his family.”

James was selected for promotion to full corporal earlier this year.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Slack, Commanding Officer of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, the Brigade Reconnaissance Regiment, said: “Lance Corporal Brynin was a star, burning bright and rising fast.

“From the moment he joined the Brigade Reconnaissance Force it was clear that we were blessed.” Tributes have flooded in for a ‘lion-hearted’ soldier from Pulborough who was killed in Afghanistan.