Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2009, Rifleman Sam Bassett (1 Platoon, A Company, 4th Battalion, The Rifles) died in hospital following an improvised explosive device explosion in the area of Sangin, northern Helmand. He had completed military training earlier that year, and deployed to Afghanistan in October. He told his family that he was proud to be a soldier, and that he was having the time of his life. He is remembered as a capable, bright and fun-loving individual, a soldier who was truly motivated and undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson said of him: "The loss of a Rifleman brimming with so much joie de vivre and potential is a painful blow to the Battle Group. Sam Bassett was indeed such a Rifleman. A man who steps up time and again to clear such dangerous ground for his friends to pass safely is truly one to be honoured. Those of us left here to continue in the work that he was doing will be strengthened by his example and shall revere his sacrifice and memory." Sam, from Plymouth in Devon, was 20 years old.