Army colleagues have paid tribute to Sapper Josh Thomas, whose body was found in the River Medway this week - 19 days after he went missing.

The 18-year-old had disappeared after a night out in Rochester with friends to celebrate the end of exams.

He grew up in Swansea, South Wales and joined the Royal Engineers at the age of 16, successfully completing his basic training at the Army Training Regiment Winchester in March 2012.

He went on to complete the Combat Engineer Course at 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment, Minley, before starting his trade training to become a Military Engineer Class 2 Electrician at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Chatham in September 2012.

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Baker, commanding officer of 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment paid tribute to the dead soldier.
He described Sapper Thomas as an enthusiastic and talented soldier.

He added: “Sapper Thomas was easily going to pass his Class 2 Electrician course and was due to be posted to 35 Engineer Regiment in Germany, in June 2013.

“He had proved to be a very professional soldier who always put the needs of his work, and fellow students, ahead of himself."

He was a keen rugby player and excelled in tough physical training sessions.

Lt Col Baker added: “Noted for helping those less able than himself, he was showing clear leadership potential for the future. Well liked and respected by his peers, Josh Thomas was proud to be a Sapper and was a shining example of what a Sapper should be.

“He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues and the thoughts of the regiment are with his family in this most difficult of times.”

Corporal Carl Robson, Lendrim Troop, 24 training squadron, 1 Regiment, also paid tribute. He said: “Sapper Josh Thomas was a Royal Engineer through and through.

“He lived to work hard and play harder. We often joked and mocked each other in traditional England versus Wales humour; of course he had the last laugh following the Six Nations.

“As a soldier he was always pro-active and reliable, and he was a fantastic player for the regimental rugby team. The idea of serving alongside men half his calibre is a good thought.

“If I could have ten ‘Tomos’ in my section I would be the happiest Section Commander in the Army.

“You will be sorely missed mate, and I promise that when we meet up top, I will come wearing an England shirt belting out ‘swing low, sweet chariot’.
“Until then, sleep easy.”

Also paying tribute was Sapper Michael Lynch, 24, from Lendrim Troop.
He added: “Josh was a great soldier but even more he was an amazing friend.

“He loved life in the Army and he has been taken from us too soon. Josh was one of the lads; he loved just having a good laugh with all his mates. I’m glad I’ve had the pleasure and honour to have worked, lived and overall just enjoyed life with him.

"He is a great loss to the Army but he is an even greater loss as a friend. Josh you will be missed but never forgotten.”