Soldiering is a dangerous profession, invariably underpaid but generously rewarded by the courage and constancy of one’s comrades. Despite the political rhetoric, soldiers do not fight for some high-flown cause, however flamboyantly expressed, or for someone to gain a seat at a political top table; they fight for their friends of “Bravo” Company.
Dependence on the man beside you in the slit trench, on those giving covering fire as you cross open ground, on the sappers lifting the mines, the gunners getting their shells on target on time and the pilots suppressing the enemy you cannot see or reach, is key to success; but dependence on those dealing with the insidious threat of the improvised explosive device (IEDs) is of an even higher order.
It is a threat new only in its form; the land mines and delayed-action bombs dropped on Britain in the early years of the Second World War called for experts from all three Armed Services to defuse or detonate them. Like the bomb disposal specialists of today, they faced the constantly changing and increasing risks of new antihandling devices; there is never certainty, only cold courage and calculation. It is work that humbles the bravest of the brave.
Staff-Sergeant Olaf Schmid was such a man and was acknowledged to be an expert among experts, at the peak of his skills with a record of spectacular but quiet success. He was killed instantly in the town of Sangin, Afghanistan, while disarming an IED which, it must be assumed, was fitted with an anti-handling mechanism of a new complexity or a secondary control system to be triggered after the device’s discovery.
Men like Schmid, trained and experienced to the highest level, are the defensive line against IEDs; there is no tactic or strategy to prevent their use, just as there is no sure way to defeat the suicide bombers apart from ending their motivation.
Advertisement
Olav, known as “Oz” to his comrades and friends, was born in Truro, Cornwall, of a German mother, Barbara, and a Swiss father, Hans Schmid, who died some years ago. He joined the Royal Logistic Corps in 1996 and shortly afterwards applied to train as an ammunition and bomb disposal specialist.
The selection for this discipline is exceptionally rigorous, calling not only for an analytical mind but also a calm and philosophical disposition. Schmid qualified on all counts and was promoted to the rank of staffsergeant in 2008.
He had served previously in Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia and Kosovo and recently with the Logistic Regiment of 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines. The spirit and fitness ethos of the Commando Brigade matched his own attitude to perfection. He studied every new aspect of his demanding speciality and, following further intensive training, qualified as a “High Threat” operator, the pinnacle of bomb disposal achievement. Work with Special Forces, supervising the work of other experts and instructing police tactical firearms teams was opened up to him.
Schmid arrived in Afghanistan in June 2009 and was immediately involved in the hazardous Operation Panchai Palang (Panther’s Claw), in the southern Helmand province, designed to extend the area of control and offer a greater element of local security to the population in preparation for the Afghanistan national elections, challenged by the Taleban.
Thanks to the now-acknowledged shortage of troop-lift helicopters, this extensive troop deployment had, of necessity, to be by vehicle, using routes known to be sown with IEDs. Dealing with this threat was the challenge faced by Oz Schmid and his team. Working with the 2nd Rifles Battle group, he rendered safe 64 IEDs to allow its deployment on operations with some degree of safety.
Advertisement
Humorous, tousle-haired, smiling and informal, Schmid was received by the soldiers whose safety was in his hands with the camaraderie only those who have served together in danger can comprehend. Banter, black humour when an IED is found or suspected, then tense silence until all is declared clear.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Thomson, commanding 2nd Rifles Battle Group, has said: “Staff-Sergeant Oz Schmid was simply the bravest and most courageous man I have ever met. Under relentless IED and small arms attacks he stood taller than the tallest. He opened the ‘Pharmacy’ road for the battle group to use and 24 hours later found and disarmed 31 IEDs on route ‘Sparta’.
“He saved lives in 2nd Rifles time after time and he will retain a very special place in the heart of every Rifleman in our extraordinary battle group. Superlatives do not do this man justice. Better than the best of the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family.”
On the day following his death, Staff-Sergeant Schmid was due to fly home for two weeks’ rest and recuperation in England, after a five-month tour of duty in Helmand province to which he was expected to return later this month.
In an statement of almost overwhelming compassion, his mother said of the loss of her 30-year-old elder son: “I hope his work will be a contribution to making Afghanistan a safer place for British troops and the Afghan people.”
Advertisement
Truro Cathedral is to host a service of remembrance for the man who was once its head chorister. His funeral will be held in the Winchester area where he lived with his family.
He is survived by a younger brother, his wife Christina and stepson Laird. On hearing of her husband’s death, his wife said: “Oz was a phenomenal husband and loving father. He exuded confidence and professionalism but was self-effacing and modest, always ready to make fun of himself. He will be impossible to forget.”
Staff-Sergeant Olaf Schmid, Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal specialist, was born on June 11, 1979. He was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 31, 2009, aged 30