Family and friends pay tribute to soldier shot dead in Afghanistan
THE mother of hero soldier Darren Chant's children sobbed as she said: "We believed he was indestructible."
And his daughter Victoria called him 'the best dad in the world' as messages of support flooded into Constance Chant's home in Horndean.
Neighbours also paid tributes to the Warrant Officer of the Grenadier Guards, one of five British soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Monday.
Tragically, on that day WO1 Chant was due to be told that his hard work had won him an officer's commission.
The 39-year-old, a Petersfield Town footballer between 1997 and 2005, lived with his ex-wife in Lovage Way until 2006.
Speaking there yesterday, Mrs Chant (41) sobbed as she described his last visit just six weeks ago.
She said: "Darren left Britain six weeks ago and he came to see us the day before he left for Afghanistan.
"He was excited about going and was very passionate about his job – he believed in what he was doing and loved going to serve abroad.
"Darren was the best father in the world.
Even though we had broken up in 2006 he absolutely loved his children and he always made time to come to see us.
"This has torn us apart, we have just been crying a lot since we heard the news on Tuesday."
Eight-year-old Victoria Chant hugged her mother as she described the man known as 'big Daz' because of his imposing height and booming voice.
She said: "He was the best dad in the world. We are all going to miss him."
Warrant Officer Chant also had two sons, 16-year-old Connor and 10-year-old Adam.
Mrs Chant said all three children – who go to school in Horndean – had been looking through photo albums to find pictures of their father.
Meanwhile residents in the leafy street expressed shock at hearing that the regimental sergeant major had died.
Next door neighbour Bill McCue (56) said: "It's unbelievably sad, they're a lovely family and we've been good friends while we've lived here.
"We moved in three years ago and hit it off because Connie and her mum Jean are Scottish like us.
"The kids are great, whenever they can they've been out on our drive offering to do odd jobs.
"They are well-liked in the street and I'm sure they're going to get a hell of a lot of support."
Tracie Jarman said her son Harvey often visits Mrs Chant's home to see his schoolmate Adam.
Mrs Jarman, a catering worker, said: "All the children in the street play together, it's a really friendly neighbourhood.
"I'm very sad for them, because they seem a really nice family.
"It was only this weekend that Harvey was out trick or treating with Adam."
As news of Monday's attack spread, former colleagues posted condolence messages on internet sites.
WO1 Chant was well-known in the army for his heroism in saving the life of a comrade whose leg was blown off by a bomb.
He carried Scott Blaney (22) a mile to a point where he could be picked up by helicopter after an attack in 2007.
Mrs Chant said: "Darren had been in the army for 24 years and he thought it was the best job in the world – he would never have left."
Before he left for Afghanistan WO1 Chant had lived with his new wife Nausheen Chant in Surrey.
She was pregnant with their first child.
She said: "I am devastated by the loss of my husband.
"Our unborn son will never meet his father, but he will know him through his legacy.
"For whether in uniform or out, his incomparable courage and selflessness humbled all those who knew and loved him."
Petersfield Town Football Club is holding a minute's silence at Love Lane before their game against Shaftesbury as a mark of remembrance.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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