16/05/2026
Captain Lisa Jade Head was remembered as one of the bravest and most dedicated officers to serve within the Royal Logistic Corps, giving her life in the line of duty during Operation HERRICK 14 in Afghanistan. On 18 April 2011, aged just 29, she deployed with her team to deal with an improvised explosive device discovered by B Company, 2 PARA, in an alleyway regularly used by both Afghan civilians and ISAF troops. After successfully rendering the first device safe, Captain Head was critically injured whilst tackling a second hidden IED. Immediate medical treatment was administered at the scene before she was evacuated by helicopter Medical Emergency Response Team to the military hospital at Camp Bastion. Surgeons worked tirelessly to stabilise her injuries sufficiently for transfer back to Britain, but despite every effort she later succumbed to her wounds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Her death was met with profound sadness across the Armed Forces, where she was admired not only for her exceptional professionalism but also for her courage, leadership and unwavering devotion to duty.
Born in Huddersfield on 30 November 1981, Captain Head studied Human Biology at university before entering the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2004. Following her commissioning into the Royal Logistic Corps, she initially trained as an Air Transport Liaison Officer and completed operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her determination and ability soon saw her selected for the highly demanding Ammunition Technical Officers course, after which she joined 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC. During service in Northern Ireland with 321 EOD Squadron, she gained a reputation as a highly skilled and dependable officer, later completing the prestigious High-Threat Operators Course and qualifying as an IEDD Neutralise Operator. Her colleagues regarded her as an exemplary Troop Commander who earned respect at every rank through calmness under pressure and genuine care for those around her.
Captain Head’s loss was deeply felt by all who served beside her, for she represented the finest qualities of the British Armed Forces: bravery, selflessness and quiet determination. Many believed she had an immensely bright future ahead of her, with the potential to rise far within the Army through her natural leadership and remarkable commitment. Her service and sacrifice continue to be honoured with immense pride and gratitude, particularly by those within the Joint Force EOD Group and the wider Counter-IED community. Though her life was tragically cut short, Captain Head’s legacy endures as one of extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger. On this solemn remembrance, thoughts remain with her family, friends and comrades, who continue to cherish her memory and the noble service she gave to her country.
