Peter Aldridge

Soldier | Died in 2010

Died on duty in Afghanistan

Rifleman Peter Aldridge of A Company 4 Rifles, serving in as part of 3 Rifles Battle Group, died in an explosion in Afghanistan.

He was 19 and was the 250th UK serviceman to die since the campaign began.

The incident happened near Sangin, in central Helmand Province, during the afternoon of Friday 22 January, 2010.

Rifleman Aldridge’s family made this statement: "Our Son died a hero, he lost his life doing what he believed in. Peter said, "If I'm going to die I want to die a Soldier.

"Our son joined the Army as a Rifleman in the Royal Green Jackets and he didn’t want to be anything else. He was determined to get his first tour of duty under his belt. He believed in the Army and was proud of his job and we are so proud of you Peter.

"We would like to thank our family, friends and the Army for being there to support us in our time of need.

"Peter leaves behind his Girlfriend, Jem, and his Brother, Matthew, who he loved with all his heart.

"We love you sweet pea. Swift and Bold Forever."

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Jones, Commanding Officer 4 RIFLES, said: "He made a mark from the outset and was already one of the natural leaders in his platoon. The less experienced Riflemen respected and looked up to him as a role model.

"He was genuinely dedicated to being a Rifleman and took great pride from it. Looking the part was important to him and he spent plenty of money on making sure that he did.

"He fully embraced The Rifles mantra to be a Thinking Rifleman and was never backward in asking 'why'. Indeed, he will be remembered affectionately for having something to say about most things. He was always in the thick of events and being such a central character in the platoon, he was a regular subject for their jokes. This only encouraged him more as he was a man with a great sense of humour and an infectious ability to laugh at himself.

"It was clear from when he first arrived in the Battalion that he was more comfortable in the field than in barracks and in Afghanistan his character really came to the fore. Early in the tour he was his Platoon Serjeant’s wingman as the 60mm mortarman, but later took over as a section lead man. There is no lonelier task and it demands real depth of courage and selflessness. Rifleman Aldridge had plenty of both. Deeply loyal to his brother Riflemen and with maturity beyond his years, he volunteered for the task after his predecessor was killed."

Related tributes:
Links:
- MoD

Your Memories

Brave Soldier
Your sacrifice was not in vain
and you will be remembered as a HERO
My thoughts are with your Family, Friends and Comrades
Sleep well Soldier
and Thank You.
C M Walbran ex RAF — 24.01.2010

A great soldier and a true companion. 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 underway. He has been at the forefront of a fierce, complex and highly taxing battle to provide security to an oppressed people, living in constant fear of abuse and intimidation by a ruthless, ignorant and self-centred enemy.
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.
-- Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group Lasting Tribute — 24.01.2010

Rifleman Peter Aldridge was a mighty fine Rifleman. He had brains as well as brawn. Fit, strong and brave he gave his life trying to make sure that the path was safe for his section. He had been trained in specialist weapons. He wanted to be a Sniper. Like all those who had been trained and educated at the College he was a future leader. He aspired to be a section commander.
He will be sorely missed, and the Army will be much the poorer for the passing of his talent. But it will be his family and friends that will feel his loss most deeply and our thoughts are with them. He had all the qualities of a true Rifleman. He held no fear of rank; admirably direct; an appetite for adventure; a quick tongue; an easy laugh and broad shoulders. I have enjoyed his company on adventure training tearing down a Welsh hillside on a mountain bike and on operations over a brew putting Afghanistan to rights.
-- Major Richard Streatfeild Lasting Tribute — 24.01.2010