Cpl John Rigby 4 RIFLES - THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Cpl John Rigby 4 RIFLES

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Corporal John Rigby, left of picture, with twin brother Will
[Picture: MOD]

Corporal Rigby, aged 24, from Rye, died from injuries sustained by a roadside bomb attack in Basra.Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders, Cpl Rigby's Commanding Officer, paid the following tribute to him:"The death of any soldier is a tragedy and in death all are equal, but there are some whose loss is particularly hard to bear the force of their personality, their personal and professional qualities and the love, respect and popularity they inspire set them apart. Corporal John Rigby was such a man. John was fatally injured early this morning by a roadside bomb near Basra Palace and tragically died from his injuries this evening in the Field Hospital. We are utterly heartbroken. But we are also unbowed, tough and determined: John would have it no other way."John was an exceptional man in every respect. A Battalion is a large organisation, but John was one of the strongest and most distinctive characters in 4 RIFLES. He was known and universally admired from top to bottom, and even those who did not know him soon learned to speak his name with respect. Although as a Section Commander in B Company he commanded only eight Riflemen, his influence and fame extended the depth and breadth of the 700 men in 4 RIFLES. He was iconic."We have lost a true friend and exemplary fellow Rifleman: the most talented Corporal of his generation, and a warm, mature, dignified and almost unnaturally gifted man. But hard as it is for us, our pain is as nothing to that of his family whose suffering will be inconsolable. His parents and two sisters have lost a wonderfully warm, lively and loving son and brother; his twin brother Will, also serving as a Corporal here in 4 RIFLES, has lost his lifetime companion and his soul mate. Will was at Johns side when he died this evening. It was their 24th Birthday."Sitting here in Basra Palace a few hours after John died it is almost impossible to convey what he meant to us and to capture the colour, character and vitality of the man that he was and to adequately describe a life lived to the full and with extraordinary spirit and passion. I count myself blessed to have commanded and known John. He was the sort of man and soldier who any Commanding Officer would cherish. "He was a warrior tough and fierce, swift and bold. And he was an astonishingly dedicated and charismatic leader. Like all the best soldiers he inspired love, devotion and fierce loyalty in his men. They idolised him and would follow him anywhere others fought hard to get into his Section seeing that John cared deeply, was calm and decisive under fire, and kept his men safe.

Corporal John Rigby 4th Battalion The Rifles
[Picture: MOD]

"He was by common consent the most promising Corporal of his generation. This is not just my view, but that of two former Regimental Sergeant Majors who are still serving with the Battalion. He had only recently been selected for promotion to Sergeant; his score on the promotion board placed him as the best Corporal across all five battalions in The RIFLES an astonishing achievement given that he was only 23 and was competing with many five years older than himself. "Giving him that good news only two weeks ago gave me such pleasure and pride, but typically he was utterly modest and his only concern was not to leave the Riflemen in his Section. In the words of one of his fellow Corporals from B Company: We called him Goldenballs. He was to squadding what David Beckham is to football. In my view, John was unquestionably a future Regimental Sergeant Major and we have lost one of our very brightest and best."John was also a remarkable man. He had a dignity, modesty and maturity that went way beyond his years. He was calm, highly intelligent, thoughtful, had a smile that lit up a room and a wicked sense of humour. I admired him immensely and liked him from the first time I met him several years ago he had a nobility of spirit and an almost serene aura about him that drew one to him. "John had such strength of character and depth of personality and his talents were so obvious he was one of those rare people who just had it all. He was just great company and as fellow Spurs supporters we had plenty of adversity to share, particularly in what seemed like a Battalion of Arsenal fans. "In the five weeks before John was killed he had been out on patrol on an almost daily basis and had been involved in frequent firefights with the enemy. Basra is a very dangerous place for British soldiers and in the early days of the tour all of us were nervous and with justification - casualties were inevitable. Strong leadership, particularly at junior level, is what makes the difference in these situations and John stood out as one of the best in the Battalion. "On one night early on during a Battle Group operation mounted into a vicious and volatile area known as Al Qibla, Johns vehicle came under heavy enemy fire. John dealt with the attack with great authority and presence of mind and his Section fought their way through the contact, suppressing the enemy and carried on with the operation. "One of his Riflemen was particularly shaken by the experience, and might well have lost his nerve, but John, in his handling of the Rifleman showed why he was such an inspiring and brilliant leader. Immediately after the contact, and afterwards when they returned to Basra Palace and to relative safety, instead of criticising as others might, John showed humanity, compassion and natural authority.

"John was a remarkable man. He had a dignity, modesty and maturity that went way beyond his years. He was calm, highly intelligent, thoughtful, had a smile that lit up a room and a wicked sense of humour. I admired him immensely and liked him from the first time I met him several years ago he had a nobility of spirit and an almost serene aura about him that drew one to him."

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders

"He was calm, reassuring and understanding and restored the Riflemans confidence and that of his whole Section by his example and force of personality. Because of John's intelligent leadership that Rifleman is trusted and valued and has since proved himself in numerous contacts the considerable courage he has shown in overcoming his fear was inspired by Johns words and actions. That is the mark of a great leader. "Johns personal bravery, dedication and love for his Riflemen were a byword in B Company and in the Battalion. He was killed protecting his Riflemen and leading by personal example, exposing himself to great risk as a top cover sentry in an exceptionally dangerous area approaching the Palace."He made a judgement that someone had to expose themselves and be ready to engage enemy gunmen and bombers in order to protect the vehicle and its driver and commander, and it is typical of his courage, selflessness and leadership that he chose to do it himself instead of ordering one of his beloved Riflemen to do so. His example has inspired and moved us all."The whole Battalion has been shaken and saddened by Johns death and there is an empty space in our ranks and in our hearts that cannot be filled. Men like John are exceptional and rare and we count ourselves truly lucky to have known him and shared part of his life with him. But though we grieve for him, we also celebrate a life lived to the full with no doubts, regrets or half measures. John chose this life and he chose us. "He found his calling as a Rifleman and was immensely fulfilled by the challenges and comradeship that he found here. He died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved, and he died amongst friends who loved him dearly. We are so very proud of him and our tribute to him will be to emulate the values and standards that he lived by our resilience, our fighting spirit, our professionalism and our determination are all stronger because of Johns example and are undimmed by his death. It is what he would have expected and wanted and we will not let him down."Our hearts go out to Johns family and to his girlfriend Jess. Johns family life mattered more to him than anything and his unique qualities as a man came from the wonderful, loving and stable upbringing he and Will enjoyed. His roots were very deep and very important to him and the grief, suffering and pain that Johns brother, sisters, parents, grandparents and girlfriend will be enduring must be all the more painful because of the depth of love that he enjoyed. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for sharing him with us and all our prayers are for them at this terrible hour that they may somehow be consoled and comforted."

"John was an outstanding soldier, a master of all trades. The platoon will never be the same without him. He will be dearly missed. He may be gone but not forgotten."

Lance Corporal Kevin Langstone

Cpl Rigby's Company Commander, Major John Wakelin, said of him:"Corporal Rigby, John, was quite simply unique. He was a free thinking, independent and bright young Corporal who approached life with vigour. Life was out there for the taking for Corporal Rigby and he was going to get all that he could from it. Professionally he stood out. His style of soldiering was not only about professionalism and getting the basics right, although he did. "His approach was more human and his relationship with his men, and his love for them, defined him. He has blistered his way through the ranks and was recently awarded with early promotion to Sergeant. Typically there was little or no fanfare but a quiet knock at my door. Sir he asked Im not sure about this, Section Commanding is where I want to be. I love my job and do not want to leave my boys just yet. "Nobody interfered with Corporal Rigbys section and they were brilliantly trained and utterly effective under his leadership. He had longed to take his Section on operations and no stone was left unturned in his drive for excellence. He was involved with everything and at the heart of B Company. He was the epitome of the thinking Rifleman and no operation or command would escape his scrutiny or the benefit of his fresh ideas."He had a wide range of interests from jet skiing to his band The Motion in which he played drums and for whom he wrote music. He was a keen Tottenham Hotspur supporter and enjoyed football banter with his mates. He loved Australia where he served briefly on attachment to the Australian Commandos. "He came from Rye, or Ryeanappa as he called it. He leaves a devoted family including his twin brother Will, two older sisters, his beloved Grandparents in Warminster and his girlfriend Jess. He spoke fondly to me of days spent on Cley Hill learning of the archaeology of the hill from his Grandad who is the curator of the Warminster museum. He kept a history book with him to read when he was on guard along with a photograph of the three beautiful hills in Warminster where he used to walk. "It is typical of him that he died protecting his Riflemen. His lads were saved from injury by their vehicle as he selflessly provided top cover from the vehicle hatch. He died on his 24th birthday."

"It is typical of him that he died protecting his Riflemen. His lads were saved from injury by their vehicle as he selflessly provided top cover from the vehicle hatch. He died on his 24th birthday."

Major John Wakelin

Corporal Wayne Rimmer said:"We called him Goldenballs. He was to squadding what David Beckham is to football."Corporal Craig Maxwell said of him:"John was a gentleman soldier and a man with a clear and wise head. We all used to go to him for advice and a chat."Corporal Dave Pratt said:"His favourite quote was Backs to the walls, everyman will stand and fight and fall. No more retreating'."Lance Corporal Kevin Langstone and all the boys from B21C (Cpl Rigby's section) said:"John was an outstanding soldier, a master of all trades. The platoon will never be the same without him. He will be dearly missed. He may be gone but not forgotten."Cpl Rigby's family issued the following statement:"John was a cherished and devoted son and brother; a talented hardworking and successful soldier, popular with his peers and across all ranks alike. He was due to be promoted to Sergeant in September and had a very bright future ahead of him which included plans to undertake higher education."He will be accompanied back to England by his twin brother William who is also serving in Iraq with the Rifles, and who was with him at his bedside at Basra military hospital when he died. "The Army have been tremendously helpful and supportive to us at this difficult time, but we are understandably devastated at his loss and ask, please, to be left alone to grieve in peace."The family have stressed that they do not wish the media to make any effort to contact them. The MOD therefore requests that the media do not contact the family at this very difficult time.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

RIP Cpl Rigby, I didnt know you but its clear that you lead your men from the front. My thoughts go to your family.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Wow...what a bloke and so well respected....he will inspire his rifleman to greater things in their careers....ive no doubt over many years his men,when its cold and wet on Brecon or when tackling a new challenge will think of "John" looking down on them, and find that little bit extra inside them....gone but not forgotten is very true.....i remember my old mate and battle partner Rfn Dave Mulley still, he was killed by a Murderous thug under the guise of The I.R.A. on 18th March 1986 ......R.I.P. Lads ......

Date: Jun 25, 2007

I served with his brother Will so I would occasionally see John when they were together mostly but I was knackerd when I would see them alone.I would have to say "Alright Riggers lad,which one are you".Rest in peace lad,God bless

Date: Jun 25, 2007

My sincerest condolences to Cpl John Rigby's family, his twin brother and to Lt Colonel Patrick Sanders and the tragic loss to the men of 4 Rifles, particularly his section, his platoon and his company, the people that will feel his loss in Basra. I never knew this obviously very popular young man, however it is a tragedy to have lost his life so young. May those who loved him draw strength from his memory and the manner in which he lived his life.

As a "Green Jacket" family we have lost far too many people lately, Lest we forget!

Rest in Peace young John Rigby, and may the men of 4 Rifles not have to suffer the loss of any more of their number on the streets of Basra.

Chris McDonald
Australia

Date: Jun 25, 2007

A brilliant EPITAPH to a brilliant NCO who I am sure would have gone on to be even greater.

RIP and my sincere condolences to His Family.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Rest in peace.

My thoughts are with your family at this time.

God Bless

Date: Jun 25, 2007

My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

John will join the roll of honor of all the Chosen man that have passed before us. He will be sadly missed.

Andy Spalding

Date: Jun 25, 2007

I completed seniour brecon with John last year and can personnally tell of his professionalism, his spirit and his will to do the right thing. John was a loyal Green jacket and fiersly proud of his regiment. It was an honour to know him and a pleasure to call him a friend. At this sad time my love and prayers are with his family, his girlfriend and his fellow riflemen. Only the good die young! Rest in peace Riggers and may your memory live on forever.
Faugh a ballagh
Willy Russell

Date: Jun 25, 2007

We have lost another member of The Royal Greenjacket family and I send my Deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family and friends at home and with those of whom he served with.
A brave true soldier, Rest in Peace John
Malcolm Don Donnison

Date: Jun 25, 2007

It was a pleasure to not only serve with you but also call myself your friend, You were a great friend and an exceptional Rifleman. My thoughts go to Wills and the rest of your family Sleep well old friend sleep well.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

YET ANOTHER TRAGIC LOSS TO OUR FAMILY
ME AND MY FAMILY SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THIS BRAVE YOUNG MANS FAMILY. THE LOSS IS FELT BY US ALL.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

RIP John, sincerest condolences to Will and the rest of your family.
Knowing and working with you was always a pleasure, everything wrote about you was true, one of the best of the best.
Forever a Rifleman, black'n'green
From the heart.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Another sad loss for the men of the Rifles my condolences go out to your twin and your family, RIP young man, Stand Easy.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

It brings tears to my eyes that as so often in the past we again suffer the loss of yet another one of our family, we were/are all highly trained professional soldiers who wore our badge with huge pride, serving our country with total loyalty and without questioning. Today once again I am sickened by the loss of John, obviously a top notch guy, who along with all those who have died before him, and no doubt those who will surely follow him, was doing his duty in the most extreme of situations, only to be taken from us. A tragic and unnecessary loss.
I turn my venom on the cowardly political elite in Westminster who sent him to the Sandpit to protect the unprotectable at such huge cost to all our guys.
I personally salute your ultimate sacrifice John, made as a true Rifleman, and may you rest in peace mate.

Dave M

Date: Jun 25, 2007

My deepest heart felt simpathies to Johns family,friends and everyone in 4th Rifles. R.I.P. John, you will never be forgotten

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Very sad to see the passing of such a promising young man who would have gone far in the Regiment. Swift and Bold matey and you will join some other good guy's in that Green Jacket bar in the sky!
My condolences to the family..

Date: Jun 26, 2007

My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy go to the family and close friends of Cpl John Rigby whose life was so tragically cut short. Another son and brother of the Green Jacket family gone to join the great muster in the sky. Rest in Peace.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

My thoughts are with the family and friends of this fine young man they do not need to be told he was one of the best and one of the choosen few. Rest well brother rifleman.
Come home safe and soon the rest of you.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

John

You`ve been an inspiration to many others leading as you did from the front, a true 'Rifleman' in every sense of the word, you will always be remembered for your superb personallity and soldiering ability and will be missed by all.

Swift and Bold.

My heart felt thoughts go out to you Will and your family at this time, it was an honour to have served along side John. An outstanding man amongst men.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

MY SYMAPTHY TO JOHNS FAMILY AND ALL IN 4 RIFLES AT THIS SAD TIME.
REST EASY MATE

Date: Jun 26, 2007

My condolences and deepest sympathys go to Johns family and friends at this time.

Rest in peace

Doc Savage

Date: Jun 26, 2007

I was shocked to hear the news and my thoughts go out to will and the family and the rifleman who had served with john who was an outstanding rifleman who would always go that bit extra to help anybody. rest in peace my dear freind

Date: Jun 26, 2007

Sincere Condolences and Sympathy to the family of Cpl Rigby.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

God Bless to all the members of the Rifles who have given their lives. You will always be remembered by your Green Jackets brothers, Regular or TA. May you rest in peace and never be forgotten.

Date: Jun 27, 2007

When John joined the battalion i was lucky enough to be his section commander and in him i saw a self assured confident rifleman who had no other desire than to soldier with his brothers in arms.
He aspired to his own high standards and showed levels of diligence and excellence not often seen, Not only a fine soldier but a fine man.
My thoughts are with Will and John's family.
Swift and Bold my friend.

Date: Jul 1, 2007

Had the honour and am very proud to have served along side one of the finest rifleman in this lifetime. John joined my platoon when he first joined battalion and everyone knew straight away that he was unique. Everyting said about him truely paints hes picture and its not only a great loss to the Green Jacket family but also to hes loved ones.

My deepest sympathy to you Will and your family.

Goodbye my dear friend.
Johny'

Once a Rifleman' Always a Rifleman.

Date: Jul 4, 2007

It was with the Deepest Sadness to have learn't of the death of cpl John Rigby, truely exceptional man, the world will definatly be a sadder place without him.
My Deepest Sympathy to all his family and friends,fellow riflemen.

Swift and Bold

Date: Aug 4, 2007

I was gutted to read about the death of such a talented soldier, to be a Sergeant at 24 years old takes some beating, what a soldier (I wish I had served with him). Although I never met John, I knew of him when he was at Brecon on his Senior's course from guys here in the SAS. John would have fitted in well with the Regt (sadly our loss). The Rifles have been robbed of a future RSM. My thoughts and prayers are with you Will and your family, God bless.