Christopher Roney

Soldier | Died in 2009

Lance Corporal from 3 Rifles who died on duty in Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Christopher Roney from the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, died in Afghanistan on 21 December, 2009, from wounds sustained during a gun battle.

He was 23 and from Sunderland. Christopher was survived by his wife and a baby son.

His wife, Lorna Roney, and family paid tribute in a statement from the MoD: "Born a legend, died a hero. Loved always and sadly missed by his son William (5 months), wife Lorna and family. We're all so proud of you."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group said: "Lance Corporal Roney was an utterly professional Rifleman who was held in the highest regard by all around him, his seniors, peers and subordinates alike.

"A strong, robust, tried and tested soldier, his mission was to serve the regiment, the battalion and his mates.

"New to command and responsibility, he was not one to shy away from the unpopular decisions and was respected all the more as a result. Such was his quality, compassion and depth that he was loved as much as he was respected.

"A fighting soldier who would fight to be at the front, he died doing exactly that. Despite having recently stepped onto the first rung of the promotion ladder, his men unhesitatingly looked up to him.

"His confidence, knowledge and sense of humour inspired them to do their very best. His loss is a tragedy. His talent, commitment and contribution live on in his men and their unstinting determination to carry on from where he left off.

"The Battle Group has lost a brave warrior for the current fight and a talented prospect for the future. He would undoubtedly have gone onto bigger and better things all too quickly.

"Here in Helmand he was doing what he enjoyed most: soldiering as part of a team, a team that he commanded expertly. His memory will be revered and celebrated by us all in the battle group and in this proud regiment."

Lance Corporal Roney was born in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, on 3 February 1986.

He worked as a Drayman before joining the Army and, following initial training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, he joined 3 RIFLES in Edinburgh in May 2006.

He qualified as a Class One Infantry soldier in October 2007 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in March 2009, following successful completion of the Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre.

He deployed to Afghanistan with the 3 RIFLES Battle Group in October 2009 and played a key role as a junior commander during the numerous patrols and operations that are bringing increased security and prosperity to the population of Sangin.

When he died, his platoon was working out of Patrol Base Almas, providing security, reassurance and freedom of movement for the local population in support of the Government of Afghanistan.

It is suspected he died in a so-called "friendly fire" incident; Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard died in similar circumstances the previous day.

Related tributes:
Links:
- BBC News
- Ministry of Defence

Your Memories

Christopher Roney

My thoughts are with your Family, Friends and comrades In the Rifles

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten by us that is left behind

Sleep well Soldier

R.I.P. Hero C M Walbran ex RAF — 24.12.2009

He was a tough, experienced and professional soldier and I was glad that following his promotion to Lance Corporal he came to A Company. A true grafter, he was the kind of man you knew you could throw any task and he would do it well.
He had a dry sense of humour and a razor sharp wit. He was loved by his platoon and the whole Company are devastated by his loss. He was a strong contender to attend the Section Commanders' Battle Course in Brecon in 2010, which would have seen him begin to realise his enormous potential.
Christopher Roney was a bright and engaging man; even at his relatively junior rank I trusted his advice. He was a proud family man; his new born son William was his pride and joy. He doted on him. That he was taken from his family so early in his son's life is particularly cruel.
I see, in the eyes of my men, just what his loss means to them; they are hurting badly. But they are now even more determined to take the fight to the enemy and to free the local population from their intimidation.
-- Major Tim Harris Lasting Tribute — 24.12.2009

Lance Corporal Christopher Roney was one of the strongest characters in the platoon. His example was second to none, inspiring his platoon to achieve ever higher standards.
He has been a rock that in any given situation the platoon and I could rely on. He was never shy or withdrawn. During the most dangerous situations when most would dig with their eyelids, I found myself having to pull him back.
He was extremely proud to be serving next to his mates and in the end paid the highest price doing just that. During a fierce attack, some of the riflemen were injured when he immediately leapt into the Sangars to man the weapons with his mates.
I know from fighting beside him he would not have wanted to be in any other place. When all was quiet, he was not. Given half the chance he would steer the conversation onto his beautiful first baby boy, William Roney, born only months before deployment and his incredibly supportive wife Lorna.
-- Lieutenant Palmer Winstanley Lasting Tribute — 24.12.2009