Brother pays tribute to Regiment Major killed in UK car crash
A Bermuda Regiment Major has died in a road crash in the UK.Major Christian Wheddon died in the accident yesterday.Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gonsalves, said: "It is with the heaviest of heart that I have the sad duty to inform you that Major Chris Wheddon was killed in an road traffic accident yesterday afternoon in the UK.“As you know, Major Wheddon was in the UK conducting training, and although full details are not available at this point, he was on his way to his next assignment.“Everyone who knows Major Wheddon knew he loved the military and everything it encompasses. He was thrilled to have had the opportunity to be a part of the OPERATION Olympics and to see first hand many of the assets the British Army has to perform their duties.“Major Wheddon was a kind, honest and decent person. I consider myself lucky to have had the good fortune to have known him and be able to call him a friend"The thoughts and prayers of everyone serving in the Bermuda Regiment are extended to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."The soldier's next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.His brother, Major Julian Wheddon has paid the following tribute: “Chris absolutely adored the military and was a consummate professional."He worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards and always put a great deal of thought into what he was doing. He was fair to the soldiers and always had time for anyone who came to see him."He perfectly blended a keen sense of military duty, keen work ethic, but always remained easy going. It was a fantastic privilege to be able to serve with my brother.”The Governor of Bermuda, George Fergusson, said: "I am shocked and very much saddened by this awful news. I only met Chris Wheddon two or three times. But he struck me immediately as a very nice man and I was looking forward to working with him in the future."Besides being a committed member of the Bermuda Regiment, he had also been a valued and much liked member of the Government House team as ADC until last year."My predecessor, Sir Richard Gozney, has contacted me to express his and Lady Gozney’s horror at this event and his high regard for Major Wheddon. The whole Government House team feels this loss. I send my support and prayers particularly to his family and his very wide circle of friends."Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief stated: "Like so many others in the community this tragedy is difficult for me to comprehend. Major Wheddon was a ‘soldier’s soldier’ and a highly valued officer in the Bermuda Regiment."The Ministry was proud to support his latest efforts overseas and to the very end he made Bermuda proud through his service. Our thoughts and prayers extend to his entire family and especially his young daughter."Sergeant JJ Hayward of the Bermuda Regiment said: “Major Wheddon was my first full time Commander and over the years I always looked to him for knowledge and guidance."It wasn’t just military knowledge, it was everyday advice. He was firm but fair and always willing to give guidance and support when I needed it. I was greatly looking forward to the next time when I could serve under him. He will be greatly missed by all the soldiers who served with him.”