Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2010, Rifleman Peter Aldridge of 4th Battalion The Rifles was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand province.

He had attended the Army’s Foundation College in 2006, and at nineteen was one of the longer serving Riflemen in his platoon having joined almost two years previously. His parents said that he told them “If I’m going to die I want to die a Soldier,” and that he had never wanted to do anything else other than join the army. His comrades that he grew from being shy and timid to being confident and dependable, someone who did everything to the best of his ability, a funny and kind man.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, the C.O. of 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: "So cruelly taken in his prime, having proven himself time and time again in the toughest of fights out here, he leaves us just as his promising military career was really getting under way. Rifleman Aldridge's commitment and selfless determination has been exemplary throughout and stands as a shining testament to his memory, which we now honour. He was a rifleman of the highest quality and a true individual - a man in which our whole regiment can take great pride." The last thing Rifleman Aldridge said to the medic treating him at the scene was to tell his mother that he loved her.

Peter, from Folkestone, was 19 years old.