IN MEMORIAM

RFN CARLO APOLIS (28)
4TH battalion,
the RIFLES
KIA MARCH 1 – AFGHANISTAN

COMMANDERS and friends have been reflecting on the life of a South African soldier and “fine ambassador for his nation” following his death in Afghanistan.
Rfn Carlo Apolis, of 4th Battalion, The Rifles, was shot as he took part in a foot patrol during an operation to expand security around Sangin.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Army in 2007, was on his first operational tour as part of 11 Light Brigade and had been attached to the 3 Rifles Battlegroup.
Nicknamed Apollo by friends, Rfn Apolis came to the UK in 2004, working at a hotel in Exeter before enlisting. He was remembered as being a brother figure to younger colleagues.
Lt Col Rupert Jones, commanding officer of 4 Rifles, described Rfn Apolis as being “generous to the core”.
The CO added: “He had travelled a long way to be a rifleman but remained fiercely loyal and proud of his native South Africa – he was a fine ambassador for his nation.
“His family are in our thoughts and prayers. They should take great pride that he fell with his friends at his side and helping to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans.”
Rfn Apolis’s girlfriend Rebecca Williams described the soldier as “my best friend”.
She added: “Most people will have known Carlo as fun loving and highly entertaining – someone who could make you smile when you were feeling down.”