Bombardier Robinson was serving in support of Combined Force Sangin, and died in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province.
Bombardier Samuel Joseph Robinson
Bombardier Sam Robinson, 31 years old from Carmarthen, joined the Army on 23 November 1999 aged 20. He transferred from 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps in 2006 as a parachute trained corporal, and joined 4/73 (Sphinx) Special Observation Post Battery, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.
In March 2008, after successfully passing the Patrol Course he was selected as a Royal Artillery Special Observer.
Bombardier Robinson was deployed on his fourth operational tour in Afghanistan. On a previous deployment he had been a member of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force and played an active part in Op PANCHAI PALANG in June 2009.
He deployed to Afghanistan in May 2010 as a specialist advisor to provide support to Combined Force Sangin from Forward Operating Base Wishtan.
Bombardier Robinson was the second in command of a Surveillance and Target Acquisition Patrol from 4/73 (Sphinx) Special Observation Post Battery Royal Artillery. On 8 July 10, Bombardier Robinson was on a local area patrol with members of A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) to ensure freedom of movement for locals, and International Security and Assistance Forces in Sangin, when he was killed by an explosion from an Improvised Explosive Device.
A Physical Training Instructor, 'Robbo' kept himself very fit. A fish in the water, the current 2 Div swimming champion, and a gazelle over land, Bombardier Robinson was never happier than when hill walking in the Welsh mountains, putting his Mountain Leader skills to the test.
All members of 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, especially those in 4/73 (Sphinx) Special Observation Post Battery will miss him immensely. We will remember him.
The family of Bombardier Samuel Joseph Robinson have made the following statement:
"Sam was doing the job that he loved and was proud to be doing it. We are all very proud of him and we will miss him forever."
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hayhurst RA, Commanding Officer 5th Regiment Royal Artillery said:
"Bombardier Robinson was one of the first to step forward for this particularly difficult task even though he had just returned from Op HERRICK 10.
"This courageous man held the respect of all that knew him; his strength of character, professionalism, and outright robustness made him a force to be reckoned with, and he was the perfect role model for the rest of the Regiment and in particular the young members of 4/73 Battery.
"He was special and will be sorely missed. His tragic loss has come as a shock to us all and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family and to his friends."
Lieutenant Colonel Chris J M Squier RA, Commanding Officer 4th Regiment Royal Artillery said:
"Hard, fit, tough and with the operational experience to back him, Bombardier Sam Robinson epitomised all I have come to expect from this group of highly dedicated and committed soldiers who have earned the right to be called Special Observers.
"His loss cuts right to the heart of his close knit and resolute trade – he and they deserve our utmost respect. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends; theirs is the true loss we can only imagine."
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That smile makes me cry. And I really am questioning if this will all be worth it in the end. Especially when the media belittles their efforts in Sangin and when the Americans ride in as though to a 'rescue' rather than as the partners they should be. Sangin should have been shared to avoid handing a propaganda coup to the enemy and making our losses feel pointless. It just makes me want to cry. And will Afghans ever feel indebted? I doubt that.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P Hero.
ReplyDeleteAlison,
Our troops in Sangin did/do a brilliant job, the problem is, the Afghan people do not appreciate what they are doing ..I agree, this area should not have been left for 'us' alone...but nobody in the UK, believe what the media assumes will be thought...WE KNOW BETTER...the same applies to all areas of Afghan.
Nos da cariad,beraidd breuddwydion.yn teimlo'n drist.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P Sam.
Sam, you made my friend Michelle happy. You won't be forgotten. Everything you ever did will have made a difference to someone. Thank you for being a decent man. Be blessed and rest in peace.
ReplyDelete