Tri-Service

#IRemember: Efrem's Tribute To His Son And 'Best Friend'

Efrem Brynin, whose courage and dignity earned him legions of admirers and the respect of the ex-Special Forces directing staff when he appeared on Channel 4's hit series 'SAS: Who Dares Wins' last month, has joined our #IRemember campaign with a moving tribute to his son.

Efrem, 44, was the oldest contestant to take on the arduous challenge, set in the Ecuadorean jungle, which replicates parts of the selection course potential recruits to the SAS and SBS undergo.

He stunned the show’s presenters when he revealed during a 'tactical questioning' session that his motivation for tackling the course was his son, Lance Corporal James Brynin.

James, an Intelligence Corps soldier attached to 14th Signal Regiment, deployed to Task Force Helmand in August 2013 as an intelligence analyst working for a Light Electronic Warfare Team within the Brigade Reconnaissance Force of 7th Armoured Brigade.

Described by his CO as an 'outstanding soldier in every respect', he lost his life in a 'blue on blue' incident during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Efrem said: "James had many positive attributes but what I really remember about him was his courage, his commitment and his integrity. He was posthumously awarded a Mention in Despatches for his bravery on the day, saving the lives of others whilst laying down his own, no better examples of those qualities.

"So today, like every day, I remember my son and my best friend James Brynin."

Matthew 'Ollie' Ollerton, a former SBS operative who appears as a member of the show's Directing Staff, paid tribute to Efrem's character, describing him as 'an extraordinary man'.

Ollie, who with fellow DS Jason 'Foxy' Fox now runs Break-Point, a company offering special forces training experiences to businesses and individuals, said: "When we first saw the recruits in the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle, a few stuck out and it's always obvious as to why they are there - full of ego and the world has to pay respect to 'how they’re going to smash through this course and dominate'.

"They have something to prove, some void to fill. The older more mature recruits are the ones that interest us. With ego acknowledged and pushed to one side, what motivates a mature man from wanting to be here, in the heat and discomfort and at the mercy of the battle-worn DS?

"When we got to the bottom of this, when we uncovered Efrem’s motivation and drive which intrigued us so much, it was like a steam train hitting us at full speed. For me personally it allowed me to reflect on the times I have been away, in conflict zones, whilst loved ones in safety from afar have to go through the agony and torment of the unknown, fuelled by media in all forms reflecting a place not necessarily realistic in comparison."

"It made me see that in a war zone life is easier, away from the persistent drone of fear created by articles morning, noon and night. It made me realise the multi-faceted complexity of war for all involved at home and afar.

"Efrem is an extraordinary man I and all of the DS have much respect for. We had the pleasure of meeting Efrem and his wife and daughter at a recent Break-Point course which fell on the very anniversary of his son’s death, 15 October. What strength they showed as individuals, and as a family. I am honoured to now call them friends."

Former SBS operative Matthew 'Ollie' Ollerton praised Efrem

If you'd like to join our #IRemember campaign in the run-up to Armistice Day you can post brief tributes to relatives or loved ones who served our country, using the #IRemember hashtag on social media.

They might have seen action in either World War, they might have served in peacetime, they might have been killed in action or lived a long and happy life after leaving the forces; they might have not have served in uniform but supported the war effort in another way. It’s up to you to remember whoever you choose.

To take part in #IRemember, you can use our BFBS and Forces TV Facebook pages – you can just add your memories in the comments section of our posts.

If you want to use Twitter, make sure you use the #IRemember hashtag and tag us in using our @bfbs handle

And if you want to use Instagram, again – use the #IRemember hashtag and tag us in using our forces_tv handle.

Do join in with I remember – let’s make sure we remember those who gave so much.