Slain soldier saved a life during previous deployment: military
Sgt. Prescott Shipway's body being flown back to Canada
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 | 1:39 PM ET
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A Canadian soldier who died Sunday in Afghanistan is being remembered for his heroism in 2006 when he acted quickly in the midst of danger to save the life of a fellow soldier.
Sgt. Prescott (Scott) Shipway, an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man., was known for his motto, "Never let a comrade down."
Soldiers lined the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield at sunset on Monday to say goodbye to Shipway. During the solemn ramp ceremony, his remains were carried onto a plane to be flown back to Canada.
His family plans to travel to Trenton, Ont., to be there when his body arrives. Shipway is survived by partner DeeDee Kacsmar, a six-year-old son and a daughter who is four.
His parents Charlie and Sue are expected to travel to Trenton as well, from their home in Churchbridge, Sask.
The government of Saskatchewan has set up an online book of condolences at the website www.ops.gov.sk.ca.
Saved soldier's life with surgeon's help
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, a Canadian Forces commander in Afghanistan, said Sunday that Shipway showed extraordinary dedication to his comrades on June 21, 2006, after a roadside bomb attack during his previous deployment to Afghanistan. He was mentioned in dispatches for his quick reaction.
"He disregarded the danger to himself, secured the area of the blast and began treating the casualties, including one who had lost both of his legs," Thompson said.
"Using a radio, he got direction from the chief surgeon and was able to stop the bleeding, thereby saving that soldier's life."
Shipway died after his armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device during a security patrol outside Kandahar city. The attack happened around 12:30 local time. Seven other Canadian soldiers were injured.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay issued a statement Sunday saying he received the news of Shipway's death with "profound sadness."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time," he said.
Flags at half-mast
Shipway was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan and was due to return home on Wednesday.
He was a platoon leader who served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Cyprus.
Flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast at the Saskatchewan legislature in Regina until his funeral.
Shipway was born in the United Kingdom and came to Regina with his parents when he was a young child.
The family then moved to Saskatoon. While living there, Shipway joined the Canadian Forces in 1990.
He also has a sister in the military.
His fellow soldiers remember him as a dedicated soldier who was given the nickname "Papa" for his caring attitude to others.
He is the 97th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since Canada first sent troops there in 2002. Canada has about 2,500 troops in the country, mostly in the southern province of Kandahar.
With files from the Canadian PressShare Tools
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