Captain Walter Barrie killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

12 Nov 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Walter Reid Barrie from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) was shot and killed in an 'insider attack' at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shawqat in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on Sunday 11 November 2012.

Captain Barrie was taking part in a football match between British soldiers and members of the Afghan National Army at his base when he was shot at close range by a member of the Afghan Army. He was fatally injured in the attack.

Captain Walter Barrie

Captain Barrie deployed to Afghanistan on 31 August 2012 as the 1st Kandak Advisor Team Second in Command, D Company, 1 SCOTS. As the Brigade Advisory Group, 1 SCOTS’ role involves mentoring and advising 3/215 Brigade of the Afghan National Army (ANA) to take the lead in security responsibilities in their area of southern Afghanistan. Captain Barrie advised the Executive Officer of the 1st Kandak of 3/215 ANA Brigade, based in Forward Operating Base Shawqat in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province.

Captain Barrie was born on 5 February 1971 in Glasgow. He joined the 1st Battalion The Royal Highland Fusiliers on 26 October 1987. During his 25 years Colour Service he served on operations in Iraq (on both Operation Granby and Operation Telic), Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland as well as completing a tour of Afghanistan in 2008. As a Non-Commissioned Officer he was immensely talented, instructing at the Army Training Regiment Glencorse and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 2007 he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One and became the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). He excelled as an infantryman and leader of men.

"Captain Walter Barrie was great man, a doting and amazing father and a fantastic husband. He was much loved and will be missed by many."

Captain Barrie’s wife, Sonia

Captain Barrie commissioned as an officer in 2009, becoming the Unit Welfare Officer of 2 SCOTS and was subsequently posted to 1 SCOTS as D Company Second in Command in 2011. His future aspirations were to promote to Major and attend Staff College. Captain Barrie was renowned as an approachable and compassionate officer, he cared deeply for the wellbeing of those around him and had unparalleled rapport with all ranks. The Regiment has lost a truly gifted and devoted officer, who was yet to reach his full potential.

Captain Barrie will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to meet him. The thoughts and prayers of the Battalion are with his wife Sonia and son Callum (15).