The Trooper Whiteside Trophy

Following the death of Trooper Christopher Whiteside in Afghanistan British Fencing North West Region wanted to remember his sacrifice and celebrate his life.  The committee decided to commission a trophy in his name to be presented to the best male sabreur at the Manchester Open, one of the newer competitions on the fencing calendar.

Christopher had been training at Blackpool Fencing Club and was fit enough and ambitious enough to aim for the 2012 Olympics. Very sadly this was not to be, as Christopher was killed by an improvised explosive device was near Gereshk in Helmand province on the 7th July, 2009.  He had been taking part in Operation Panchai Palanag, a task force operation to clear Babaji and Malgir of insurgents and restore government control before the national elections in August. Trooper Whiteside was serving in The Light Dragoons Battle Group.

The trophy was first presented to Niall Dowse in 2010, and due to its importance and significance I asked the region if I could take it down to his regiment near Dereham  in Norfolk, where it would be held in trust amongst the other regimental silver and trophies.  The North West Region duly agreed and so on a very snowy morning in November my husband and I made the journey to Norfolk.  We were welcomed by WO I Simon Stott (RSM) and Sergeant Rick Black who most kindly showed us around the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ mess and the magnificent collection of silverware.  The trophy was put in a prominent position on a table, and looked very well there.  We were then shown the beautiful new war memorial at the camp, and the wreath that Christopher’s mother had laid for her son the previous week.  This sad occasion brought home to me the importance of remembrance and service, and the support for the families of the fallen.

Christopher leaves behind his mother Diane and her partner Malcolm, as well as a younger brother, Dan.