Soldier who died at Catterick Garrison described as 'popular and likeable'
33 year old Nicholas Hart from Pontypridd died at the North Yorkshire army base last Saturday
Tributes have been paid to a soldier who was found dead at Catterick Garrison at the weekend.
Nicholas Hart from Pontypridd served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
In a statement, released by the Army, the 33 year old was described as popular and likeable and was 'always smiling'.
Highlander Hart, known as Nicki, started his training to join 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh with the Territorial Army in 2008, moving on to B Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, two years later.
He was deployed in support of the London 2012 Olympic Games, before moving to Germany.
He later served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for which he was awarded Operational Service Medals.
The Army issued this eulogy:
'Highlander Nicki Hart was a popular and likeable soldier who was always the quiet and calm voice of reason. He always had a way of calming even the most irritable of people by making them see the lighter side of life.
'During Op TORAL 10, during many a month being confined to camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicki decided he wanted to be baptised, so during one of the Padre’s visits to Quargha, the whole camp was mustered to watch him being baptised in the military working dog swimming pool.
'His constant professionalism, personal pride and friendly demeanour made him an obvious choice to help with regimental recruiting. He took to the job with ease, and recruiting in the farthest reaches of Scotland he found that his thick welsh accent proved to be an asset, as people would be drawn to him.
'Always smiling, his light-hearted nature and warmth could fill a room.
'He cared deeply for his friends and family, and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.'