Rifleman Martin Jon Lamb killed in Afghanistan

Rifleman (Rfn) Lamb deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011 as a member of 'A' Company, Reconnaissance Platoon, operating out of the newly established temporary Checkpoint Zarawar, in the contested area of Alikozai, in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.

The checkpoint is an area of known insurgent activity, to the north of Nahr-e Saraj, and Rfn Lamb was supporting the local people in the fight against that insurgency.

On the afternoon of 5 June 2011, Rfn Lamb was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on a patrol in the Haji Kareen area of the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district.

Rifleman Martin Jon Lamb

Rfn Lamb was born on the 26 April 1984 in Gloucester. He joined the Army in September 2003 after attending Rednock School in Dursley.

During his Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, he won an award for his exceptional physical fitness. On completion he was posted to 1st Battalion The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Regiment.

In 2005 Rifleman Lamb deployed with the Battalion to Afghanistan where he excelled as a Rifleman. On his return, he passed the All Arms Commando Course before taking up post in the newly formed regiment of The Rifles.

His passion for soldiering never wavered and he successfully completed a challenging operational tour of Iraq in 2008. A natural soldier, he was identified for promotion and served with distinction in the prestigious Reconnaissance Platoon of 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES).

Rfn Lamb was energetic, bright and full of ambition; second best was not good enough. Sparky and quick-witted, he was the focal point within his unit.

Outside the Army, he was also a loving husband and doting father. Rfn Lamb now occupies a proud place in The Rifles' Regimental story.

His loss leaves a gaping hole in our ranks and we will honour his sacrifice.

Rfn Lamb leaves behind a loving wife Melissa and two-year-old daughter Rosie.

Lieutenant Colonel James de la Billiére DSO MBE, Commanding Officer 1 RIFLES, Coalition Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), said:

"Rifleman Lamb was one of my very best; talented, capable and naturally gifted as a most professional soldier. As a reconnaissance operator he had made it to the elite of the elite within the Battalion. And he occupied a very special place in 1 RIFLES as one of our Army Commandos.

"Rifleman Lamb was killed by the blast from an improvised explosive device whilst conducting a foot patrol near the village of ALIKOZAI within the 1 RIFLES area of Nahr-e Saraj (South). He had been operating there for just under two weeks as part of a large scale Battlegroup operation OMID HAFT. He and his patrol had made some extraordinary gains against a most resilient insurgency. His own personal contribution, courage and sacrifice will be forever remembered as the price paid for this significant success.

"But 'Lamby' will also be remembered for his energy, zeal and commitment he was a man with many friends and others naturally gravitated to him. He was one of life's real characters, and he was due to be promoted soon.

"Rifleman Lamb now steps up to take a unique place in our regimental history. His name joins a list of those from whom we all draw on for both inspiration and courage. At this most difficult time our thoughts and prayers go to Melissa, young Rosie, and to his mother and step-father in Gloucestershire.

"Swift and Bold: You will never be forgotten."

Major Paul Kyte, Officer Commanding Support Company, 1 RIFLES, said:

"Rifleman Lamb was an outstanding member of the Reconnaissance Platoon a truly dedicated and professional soldier who loved his job. Amongst his peers within the Platoon of Riflemen, selected from across the Battalion, Rfn Lamb stood out. He was a bright character with real personality and flair that drew his fellow Riflemen to him.

"He had recently completed a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer's Cadre and was soon to be promoted to Lance Corporal which came as no surprise: he had already shown that he possessed the outstanding qualities of a commander during last year's tough patrols competition on Exmoor. He revelled in the poor weather and arduous conditions that challenged most others, and was fundamental in his platoon's final victory.

"This was Rifleman Lamb's third operational tour. He was an extremely experienced operator and was utterly professional in his approach to pre-deployment training. During the course of Operation HERRICK 14, Rifleman Lamb had been deployed right across the Battalion's area of operations and was directly responsible for supporting and executing operations to rid our given area of insurgent presence.

"His tragic death, whilst patrolling with his tight knit band of friends and fellow riflemen, is a loss to S Company of a fine future commander, and it has stolen the Rifles of a brother and role model. Our loss is nothing compared to that of his loving family, and our dearest thoughts are with his wife, Melissa, his daughter, Rosie, and his parents, Avril and Lloyd, at this impossibly difficult time.

"Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman."

Major Carl Boswell, Officer Commanding A Company, 1 RIFLES, said:

"Rifleman Lamb was one of the liveliest and determined men I have had the privilege of commanding. He was phenomenal; loved by his brother Riflemen, and a role model for those aspiring to be a Rifleman. He was kind and caring, and gave others courage during their darkest hours. Outstandingly brave, if there was a fight to be had he was always at the front.

"But he was not only a warrior, he also had a unique ability to force a laugh from anyone with his dry and wicked sense of humour which could set a crowd alight. Representing everything that was good about the future of the Regiment, he played a huge part in our lives and in our work out here; he was indeed a beacon of inspiration to us all and we will continue to draw strength from the finest example he set in life. Swift and Bold."

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