Tributes paid to young soldier from Cornwall killed in Ukraine

Callum joined the Ukrainian war effort in June

Callum joined a voluntary platoon in Ukraine
Author: Adam GardinerPublished 10th Nov 2024
Last updated 10th Nov 2024

A young Cornishman who was killed in action fighting for Ukraine against Russia has received tributes from family and peers.

The family of 22-year-old Callum Tindal-Draper have confirmed he was killed in the eastern region of the country earlier this week while defending an observation point.

Mr Tindal-Draper was from Gunnislake and worked at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon.

Callum's mother, Caroline, said her son had been in Ukraine since June as part of the 4th International Legion, a voluntary foreign platoon fighting against the Russians.

The Foreign Office said: "We are aware that a British national has reportedly died in Ukraine and stand ready to assist the family in the UK."

Steven Tindal-Draper, Callum's father, told the BBC: "We begged and begged and begged him not to go.

"But Callum said 'dad, I'm not frightened of bullies and what's going on in Ukraine is awful and someone needs to stand up for these people'."

Callum said someone needs to stand up to "bullies"

His mother revealed that her son's battalion had sent the family a selection of written and video messages explaining that Callum was an inspiration to them.

Telling the BBC: "They called him their little brother because he was the youngest one out there, they really were a family unit and that is helping us heal."

A tribute to Mr Tindal-Draper has also been paid by Duchy College, where he had been part of its Military and Protective Services Academy.

The academy described Callum as a "passionate, articulate and bright student" in a Facebook post.

It also said: "Callum truly believed in his sense of duty and after working for the NHS after the course, decided it was his duty to help Ukraine and joined the International Legion of Ukraine in the summer."

They added that Mr Tindal-Draper would be in their thoughts on Sunday and Monday as they mark Remembrance Day.