05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham MC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: "I was shocked and saddened to the core to learn of the death of Private Robert Hayes killed today in the Nad-e'Ali district. "He died whilst on patrol in an area that has seen some of the most intense fighting with the insurgents that seek to undermine the Afghan Government. In the past two months, he and his platoon have given their all to deliver a secure environment for the people of Nad-e'Ali in what are some of the most demanding of conditions. "Robert's death leaves a huge hole in The Vikings' ranks; he will be remembered as a trusted member of the team, a young man whose energy for life was contagious, for his bravery and sense of humour. "Robert was young man who made a real difference in his short time with the Battalion – he has been taken from us and we are all the poorer for his passing. I know that all members of The Vikings will join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to Robert's family and friends. He will be remembered forever more." Request removal
Lieutenant Colonel James Woodham MC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: "I was shocked and saddened to the core to learn of the death of Private Robert Hayes killed today in the Nad-e'Ali district. "He died whilst on patrol in an area that has seen some of the most intense fighting with the insurgents that seek to undermine the Afghan Government. In the past two months, he and his platoon have given their all to deliver a secure environment for the people of Nad-e'Ali in what are some of the most demanding of conditions. "Robert's death leaves a huge hole in The Vikings' ranks; he will be remembered as a trusted member of the team, a young man whose energy for life was contagious, for his bravery and sense of humour. "Robert was young man who made a real difference in his short time with the Battalion – he has been taken from us and we are all the poorer for his passing. I know that all members of The Vikings will join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to Robert's family and friends. He will be remembered forever more."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Major Christopher Davies, Officer Commanding, C (Essex) Company, said: "The tragic loss of such a young, gifted and promising member of C Company is deeply saddening. "Although he had only been in the Army for just over a year, Private Robert Hayes was quick to make his own mark and as a result became widely recognised across the Battalion as an extremely capable soldier, brave comrade and talented boxer. "He fully accepted his role in Afghanistan and ensured that his personal contribution to the mission made a genuine difference. "For over two months he was involved in heavy and relentless fighting against insurgents and always acted in a courageous, decisive and selfless manner. "The considerate way in which he interacted with the local population was synonymous with someone who was genuinely decent and wanted betterment for those less fortunate than himself. "Private Robert Hayes was immensely popular and sacrificed his life doing something that he truly believed in. "His loss is widely felt across all ranks within the Company and our thoughts at this awful time remain firmly with his family and loved ones at home for whom the pain will be immeasurable." Request removal
Major Christopher Davies, Officer Commanding, C (Essex) Company, said: "The tragic loss of such a young, gifted and promising member of C Company is deeply saddening. "Although he had only been in the Army for just over a year, Private Robert Hayes was quick to make his own mark and as a result became widely recognised across the Battalion as an extremely capable soldier, brave comrade and talented boxer. "He fully accepted his role in Afghanistan and ensured that his personal contribution to the mission made a genuine difference. "For over two months he was involved in heavy and relentless fighting against insurgents and always acted in a courageous, decisive and selfless manner. "The considerate way in which he interacted with the local population was synonymous with someone who was genuinely decent and wanted betterment for those less fortunate than himself. "Private Robert Hayes was immensely popular and sacrificed his life doing something that he truly believed in. "His loss is widely felt across all ranks within the Company and our thoughts at this awful time remain firmly with his family and loved ones at home for whom the pain will be immeasurable."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Second Lieutenant Dan Benstead, 6 Platoon Commander, C (Essex) Company, said: "Private Hayes was a stalwart of 6 Platoon. Despite only being in the Army a short time he was a supremely confident soldier and loved being on operations. "He had endless energy, a wicked sense of humour and was always involved in any Platoon pranks. He was extremely popular with his peers and could often be found laughing and joking with them. "Private Hayes was a huge asset to the Platoon and he will be sorely missed by all of the Mighty VI. No words can explain the utter devastation I feel for his family. My thoughts are with them and I only hope they can draw solace from his passion and belief in the job he was doing." Request removal
Second Lieutenant Dan Benstead, 6 Platoon Commander, C (Essex) Company, said: "Private Hayes was a stalwart of 6 Platoon. Despite only being in the Army a short time he was a supremely confident soldier and loved being on operations. "He had endless energy, a wicked sense of humour and was always involved in any Platoon pranks. He was extremely popular with his peers and could often be found laughing and joking with them. "Private Hayes was a huge asset to the Platoon and he will be sorely missed by all of the Mighty VI. No words can explain the utter devastation I feel for his family. My thoughts are with them and I only hope they can draw solace from his passion and belief in the job he was doing."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Sergeant Ryan Vickery, 6 Platoon Sergeant, C (Essex) Company, said: "Private Hayes was an essential member of 6 Platoon; he was always motivated and always conducted himself as a professional soldier. "He was extremely proactive and never showed any signs of fear when engaged with the enemy. Robert is the type of character you can not help but like and being in his company was nothing short of a pleasure. "Although Robert is no longer with us, he will never leave our minds and will now join his Viking brothers. "Our thoughts are with his family at this time of bereavement and our words are not enough when it comes to describing one of our own. Robert Hayes; a Viking, a friend, a brother and a sad loss; rest forever in peace." Request removal
Sergeant Ryan Vickery, 6 Platoon Sergeant, C (Essex) Company, said: "Private Hayes was an essential member of 6 Platoon; he was always motivated and always conducted himself as a professional soldier. "He was extremely proactive and never showed any signs of fear when engaged with the enemy. Robert is the type of character you can not help but like and being in his company was nothing short of a pleasure. "Although Robert is no longer with us, he will never leave our minds and will now join his Viking brothers. "Our thoughts are with his family at this time of bereavement and our words are not enough when it comes to describing one of our own. Robert Hayes; a Viking, a friend, a brother and a sad loss; rest forever in peace."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Private Daniel Greenland, a close friend, said: "Private Robert Hayes was one of the funniest blokes I knew. Whenever I saw him he always had a smile on his face. "I had only known Rob a short while as he was fairly new in the Regiment but he was a massive personality in 6 Platoon. I have never met someone as motivated and brave. "He was a great soldier and an even better friend. You will never be forgotten. See you on the other side mate." Request removal
Private Daniel Greenland, a close friend, said: "Private Robert Hayes was one of the funniest blokes I knew. Whenever I saw him he always had a smile on his face. "I had only known Rob a short while as he was fairly new in the Regiment but he was a massive personality in 6 Platoon. I have never met someone as motivated and brave. "He was a great soldier and an even better friend. You will never be forgotten. See you on the other side mate."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Private Mathew Arrowsmith, a close friend, said: "A true friend has been taken from us and we hope you are in a better place mate. We will never be the same again. Words cannot describe how we feel. You'll never be forgotten. A true VI. RIP." Request removal
Private Mathew Arrowsmith, a close friend, said: "A true friend has been taken from us and we hope you are in a better place mate. We will never be the same again. Words cannot describe how we feel. You'll never be forgotten. A true VI. RIP."
05.01.2010 : Lasting Tribute wrote Private Jason Field, a close friend, said: "Private Robert Hayes was one of my closest friends. He always walked around with a smile on his face. "I'll never forget the fun times we have shared together such as boxing training and our week in Newquay. I shall miss him dearly and never forget his smile." Request removal
Private Jason Field, a close friend, said: "Private Robert Hayes was one of my closest friends. He always walked around with a smile on his face. "I'll never forget the fun times we have shared together such as boxing training and our week in Newquay. I shall miss him dearly and never forget his smile."
05.01.2010 : lisa hayes wrote Rob we have had soo many memory's together. you are great cousin, i miss you so much. your a true hero, and a legend.uncle paul and auntie ronnie miss you so much, they just can't get there head around why it had to be you. you will always be loved and never forgotten!!! love you!!! Request removal
Rob we have had soo many memory's together. you are great cousin, i miss you so much. your a true hero, and a legend.uncle paul and auntie ronnie miss you so much, they just can't get there head around why it had to be you. you will always be loved and never forgotten!!! love you!!!
05.01.2010 : C M Walbran ex RAF wrote If there is are Heroes in 2010 Pvt Robert Hayes will join them.He wanted to be a Soldier, he grew up to be a Soldierand he has joined the best. Soldiers Britain will ever haveThe ones that pay the Ultimate sacrifice for a Comrade and their Country.R.I.P Robert and sleep well. Request removal
If there is are Heroes in 2010 Pvt Robert Hayes will join them.He wanted to be a Soldier, he grew up to be a Soldierand he has joined the best. Soldiers Britain will ever haveThe ones that pay the Ultimate sacrifice for a Comrade and their Country.R.I.P Robert and sleep well.
05.01.2010 : jackeline hayes wrote I remember the day when you were born baby and i will never forget the day you died. january will never be the same again. without you in our lives miss and love you so much darling. from your big sister jackeline. may you forever rest in peace love you xxxxx you are the most bravest couragous man i have ever met and i had the privilage to call you my brother. you are the biggest hero your nieces and i will ever know xx love you always and forever xxx Request removal
I remember the day when you were born baby and i will never forget the day you died. january will never be the same again. without you in our lives miss and love you so much darling. from your big sister jackeline. may you forever rest in peace love you xxxxx you are the most bravest couragous man i have ever met and i had the privilage to call you my brother. you are the biggest hero your nieces and i will ever know xx love you always and forever xxx
05.01.2010 : tracie barber wrote Do not weep for me,for I am not dead;I am merely sleeping,and out of sight instead...Do not weep for me,shed no tears on my behalf;for I am very happy now,can't you just hear me laugh...Do not weep for me,think of sunshine...not of rain;for where I am now, is a beautiful place,a place that knows no sorrow, nor pain...Do not weep for me,for my spirit is alive and well;I am walking down the streets of gold,and i'm smiling... can't you tell...Do not weep for me,think of happy times... not sad;and don't be concerned, that I am alone,for I am with Mom and with Dad...Do not weep for me,somehow, I will be there;you may not be able to see me,but, you'll feel my presence everywhere...Do not weep for me,think of us walking on the beach;don't cry when you think about me,for I am simply out of reach...Do not weep for me,please don't think that death has won;just remember, that when it's raining on you,I'll be walking in the Sun Request removal
Do not weep for me,for I am not dead;I am merely sleeping,and out of sight instead...Do not weep for me,shed no tears on my behalf;for I am very happy now,can't you just hear me laugh...Do not weep for me,think of sunshine...not of rain;for where I am now, is a beautiful place,a place that knows no sorrow, nor pain...Do not weep for me,for my spirit is alive and well;I am walking down the streets of gold,and i'm smiling... can't you tell...Do not weep for me,think of happy times... not sad;and don't be concerned, that I am alone,for I am with Mom and with Dad...Do not weep for me,somehow, I will be there;you may not be able to see me,but, you'll feel my presence everywhere...Do not weep for me,think of us walking on the beach;don't cry when you think about me,for I am simply out of reach...Do not weep for me,please don't think that death has won;just remember, that when it's raining on you,I'll be walking in the Sun
06.01.2010 : Burton Marsland wrote My wife and I were sitting next to Robbies Mother on flight TOM 139, when she was re patriated, from her Caribbean Cruise to the UK.We knew something terrible had happened, it was only when a fellow passenger took her in her arms and asked 'whats wrong' the full sad story began to come out.Our thoughts are with his Mother, (sorry at the time it did not seem approprate to exchange names),, Girlfriend Gemma and other members of his family at this time of bereavementWhilst I will not be able to come down to the funeral, I will make time to go to somewhere special, possibly to where we scattered my parents ashes, in a scenic part of Debyshire, and read the tributes to Robbie and think about, my two grown-up children, grand children, and life in general.RIP Robbie Burton and Lesley Request removal
My wife and I were sitting next to Robbies Mother on flight TOM 139, when she was re patriated, from her Caribbean Cruise to the UK.We knew something terrible had happened, it was only when a fellow passenger took her in her arms and asked 'whats wrong' the full sad story began to come out.Our thoughts are with his Mother, (sorry at the time it did not seem approprate to exchange names),, Girlfriend Gemma and other members of his family at this time of bereavementWhilst I will not be able to come down to the funeral, I will make time to go to somewhere special, possibly to where we scattered my parents ashes, in a scenic part of Debyshire, and read the tributes to Robbie and think about, my two grown-up children, grand children, and life in general.RIP Robbie Burton and Lesley
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