It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Philip Allen from 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday, 7 November 2009.
Rifleman Allen was killed following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Sangin in central Helmand province.
Serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles in the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, Rifleman Allen had remained behind as continuity from a 2 RIFLES tour and was working with the Fire Support Group that was operating out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman.
His platoon was conducting a routine reassurance and ground clearance patrol providing security for local Afghans.
Rifleman Philip Allen, 2 RIFLES
Rifleman Allen, aged 20, was born in Dorset. He attended school in Dorchester and joined the Army in spring 2009. He attended his Phase One and Two training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick and joined 2 RIFLES Battle Group in Sangin shortly after passing out from training. He has since been involved in numerous patrols in northern Sangin as a Rifleman within a Fire Support Group.
Rifleman Allen, known as Phil to family and friends, was a fit, robust and motivated young Rifleman, who had already impressed those who he worked with and for with his ability and enthusiasm. Although only at the start of his career, it was evident that he had a bright future ahead of him.
Rifleman Allen's mother, Karen Charman-Allen, said:
"I would like to thank all of the soldiers who have served with and knew Phil. He was proud to have been a soldier in 2 RIFLES and to have served on tour with them in Afghanistan."
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES, said:
"Rifleman Philip Allen had been with the Battle Group for only a few short weeks but had already made a lasting impression. His youthful exuberance made him immediately likeable to those who he worked with and his ability made him a valued member of a tight knit team. A loyal friend, a committed Rifleman and a strong and capable soldier all made him a shining prospect for the future.
"His loss will reverberate throughout the RIFLES family but our loss cannot be measured against that of the family and loved ones from whom he has been so tragically taken. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times."
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I was proud to have known Phil, prior to his joining the army and so sad to have learned of his tragic death.
ReplyDeletePhil used to work for 'Three Cross Motorcycles' and I know that all of his former colleagues and the management of that company have been hit hard by his loss.
May God bless you, Phil and my deepest sympathies to your family and loved ones.
Stephen Robbie