9:18pm Monday 9th November 2009
By Stephen Bailey
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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