This obituary is to honour the life of Philip Allen. Rifleman Philip Allen from 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday, 7 November 2009. Phil Allen was killed following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Sangin in central Helmand province.

Serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles in the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, Rifleman Allen had remained behind as continuity from a 2 RIFLES tour and was working with the Fire Support Group that was operating out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman.

His platoon was conducting a routine reassurance and ground clearance patrol providing security for local Afghans.

Philip Allen, aged 20, was born in Dorset. He attended school in Dorchester and joined the Army in spring 2009. He attended his Phase One and Two training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick and joined 2 RIFLES Battle Group in Sangin shortly after passing out from training. He has since been involved in numerous patrols in northern Sangin as a Rifleman 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."

Corporal Gareth Williams, B Company 2 RIFLES Fire Support Group Commander said, "Rifleman Allen was a dream new Rifleman. He came to my Fire Support Group on the last lap of the 2 RIFLES tour. He was straight on the money, fit, superbly keen and always going the extra mile for others. He was an ideal Rifleman, a joy to work with. He loved his job, was really keen to stay on and we will miss him very much."

Rifleman Andrew Mallett, Fire Support Group Platoon, said, "My first memories of Phil Allen were when I met him in training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. We were both in the same section and became good friends. He was a very talkative person and was always at hand if need be. He got the nickname 'Victor Meldrew' by the end of training as he did like to have a good moan about this and that. Phil will be remembered as being a bit of a poser whenever he came face to face with a camera. Phil was also one for impressions, taking the mickey out of anyone, regardless of rank. All said and done, Phil was a top soldier, he was extremely professional in all that he did. He will be truly missed."

This memorial is in lasting memory of Philip Allen, his life, achievements and the ultimate sacrifice he made. May he rest in peace.