Tribute after death of 'selfless' soldier who 'went through setback after setback'

Tributes have been paid to a 'selfless' soldier who has died after a battle with cancer.

Fusilier Jack Wilkes sadly passed away on October 29, Wales Online reports. He had been diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a blood cancer that affects white blood cells.

Despite going through 'setback after setback', he 'never gave up' until he sadly died from the disease, The Royal Welsh said in a touching tribute. Fus Wilkes, from north Wales, was described as a 'loyal and brave soldier, friend, partner, nephew, brother and son'.

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The tribute described how Fus Wilkes was due to attend his pre-Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre course, which he 'would have certainly passed' and became a Lance Corporal, but was too unwell to carry out the course. Weeks later, he was told he had cancer, and faced a long journey ahead.

The post added: "This last year and Fus Wilkes’ battle was a testament to his character, having demonstrated immense strength, bravery and loyalty in the most adverse conditions. Whilst on treatment Fus Wilkes went through set back, after set back, but his mental resilience was continually tested and just like his forebears at Rorke’s Drift he never gave up but sadly lost his battle."

Fus Wilkes, a keen Manchester United fan, died in hospital with his dog Roxy, with the clubland classic Basshunter playing in the background, and a 'dab of Kopparberg on his lips'. He took on his treatment with 'dignity' and always kept a smile on his face.

The tribute said: "There is universal agreement that Fus Wilkes was an instrumental and popular member of the battalion, the support he received on following his diagnosis is a reflection of this. Words cannot begin to describe some of the funniest of stories that Fus Wilkes was a part of, nor would they be appropriate given the audience but Fus Wilkes' infectious enthusiasm, outgoing nature, cheekiness and mischief made him a joy to be around.

"Ultimately, he was a loyal and brave soldier, friend, partner, nephew, brother, and son. The loss of such a beloved individual is significant blow to the Platoon, Company, Battalion and Wider Army. To lose Fus Wilkes in such difficult circumstances is extremely hard to take, his death will affect everyone that knew him for the rest of their lives but his memory will forever be honoured in Royal Welsh Legacy much like his family before him.

"Jack will be sadly missed, but incredibly well remembered." Fus Wilkes joined the Royal Welsh on December, 2021, after completing his basic training at Army Prep College Harrogate and his core infantry skills at the Infantry Training Center in Catterick.

He followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather and great great grandfather, who served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. His father also served six years in the Royal Engineers, and his grandfather before him, 22 years in the Army Medical Corp.

The tribute continued: "Fus Wilkes’ time at battalion saw him partake in numerous overseas exercises and range packages, a highlight being his time on Op CABRIT 10. Fus Wilkes enjoyed the fundamentals of soldiering; given he had grown up shooting and loving the outdoors, this was very much not a surprise.

"Fus Wilkes was a competent soldier within the field, confident, influential and intelligent, he very much thrived in this environment. An aggressive and hard infanteer, Fus Wilkes would certainly be a soldier one would want in their platoon during a time of war."

The author of the tribute described how Fus Wilkes made his life 'difficult' with his 'wit, mischief and cheeky nature, but deep down I would find it hard to discipline him simply because I admired his attitude of never taking himself or life too seriously'. The post continued: "Fus Wilkes was certainly selfless be that on deployments or through acts of self-deprivation; with him around you knew you would never stop laughing.

"Those in the Army know a lot of a soldier’s life is spent in the joy of “waiting around”, you could guarantee when this was the case the platoon and wider company would be surrounding Fus Wilkes to see what form of mischief he would come up with to pass the time away. Life with Fus Wilkes was never boring.

"Fus Wilkes also had a serious side, as he progressed as a soldier, he eventually found himself in the drivers hatch of the Warrior 510 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, a job he did not enjoy but one that did develop him."

Fus Wilkes was also a keen football player and played at Academy level from the age of 11 to 16. He was a keen Manchester United supporter and also enjoyed boxing, hunting, and shooting, with a massive love for the outdoors.

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