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Afghanistan blast soldier named
09.11.09
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A British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been described as a "shining prospect for the future".
Rifleman Philip Allen, from 2nd Battalion the Rifles, was serving with A Company, 4th Battalion the Rifles when he died on Saturday.
The 20-year-old from Dorset was part of a platoon providing ground clearance and security to Afghans, the Ministry of Defence said.
Rifleman Allen went to school in Dorchester before joining the Army in the spring of this year. He attended infantry training at Catterick and went to Sangin shortly after passing out from training. At the time of his death - after an improvised explosive device was detonated - he was working within a fire support group.
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." Rifleman Allen also leaves a fiancee, Kirsty.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles, said: "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."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Rifleman Philip Allen, a young soldier who had achieved so much and impressed so many people during his brief time in the Army. His death cuts short what his commanders tell me would have been a successful career and very bright future in the Armed Forces. My thoughts and sympathies are with Rifleman Allen's family, friends and colleagues."
Rifleman Allen's friends said his tendency to moan led to him being given the nickname Victor Meldrew, from the TV show One Foot in the Grave. Rifleman Andrew Mallett, Fire Support Group Platoon, said he got to know him while training at Catterick. "He was a very talkative person and was always at hand if need be," he said. "He got the nickname 'Victor Meldrew' by the end of training as he did like to have a good moan about this and that.
"All said and done, Phil was a top soldier, he was extremely professional in all that he did. He will be truly missed."
