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Dorset Rifleman killed in Afghanistan (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Dorset Rifleman killed in Afghanistan
9:18pm Monday 9th November 2009
A MEMBER of 2 Rifles killed in Afghanistan has been named as Rifleman Philip Allen from Dorset.
The 20-year-old was born in Dorset and went to school in Dorchester.
He only joined the army in spring 2009 and was engaged to be married.
Rifleman Allen was in Helmand province attached to 4 Rifles and was killed on patrol by an improvised explosive device on Saturday.
His mother Karen Charman-Allen said in a Ministry of Defence statement: “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 Rob Thomson said: “He was a dynamic, full on, tough Rifleman who made an immediate impact on all ranks in his Company.”
Friend Rifleman Liam McNulty said: “He was a dedicated family man and always talked about his fiancée Kirsty, how he couldn't wait to get home to see her.”
Rifleman Allen was working in a Fire Support Group in Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman.
His own unit had returned home during October and suffering 13 men killed but he had arrived late into the tour after finishing his training and stayed on with 4 Rifles.
His platoon commander Warrant Officer Freddie Fryer said: “Everything he did was to an amazing standard for a soldier so young.”
The Rifles were formed from five regiments including the Devon and Dorsets and each battalion contains several dozen Dorset men.
If you knew Rifleman Allen contact newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk
with your tribute
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Your Say YourEcho
[Chris], WWW says...
11:33pm Mon 9 Nov 09
Lest we Forget.......
O'Really, Christchurch says...
8:18am Tue 10 Nov 09
Bring the boys back home.
Dorsetbaby, Poole says...
11:09am Tue 10 Nov 09
My thoughts are with his family right now.
rainbowkisses, Bournemouth says...
9:19pm Tue 10 Nov 09
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
Author Unknown~
RIP Philip
Rifleman Philip Allen from Dorset
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poole_god, says...
9:29pm Mon 9 Nov 09
Not sure if I feel it is right for such new recruits to be in this specific war