Lance Corporal Darren A M Mallia

Darren Anthony Mark Mallia, known as 'Taff', served with Airborne Forces in 1990s.

After completion of his recruitment training, he was posted to The 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA). Initially serving with a rifles company, he was soon selected for the Patrols Platoon.

During a tour to Northern Ireland, he became a Section Second-in-Command (2-i-c) with A Company, 2 PARA.

An extract from his obituary notice in Pegasus for December 1996 read as follows:

'In professional terms he was a highly motivated JNCO who set and demanded high standards. Taff worked hard and was respected for his ability as a paratrooper. He had a good sense of humour and was a popular figure in the Battalion.

He was a keen all-round sportsman during his Army career and represented 2 PARA in a variety of disciplines, including biathlon, cross country, rubgy, swimming, orienteering and inter-company boxing. He will always be remembered as the original founding member of one of the more well-known rock groups - 'Fat Albert' - which had a popular following throughout the Battalion.'

Lance Corporal Mallia died on 23 August 1996, aged 27 years old. He is now buried at Cardiff Crematorium, Wales.