IN MEMORIAM

LCPL TOM KEOGH (24)
4TH battalion,
the RIFLES
KIA MARCH 7 – AFGHANISTAN

A PROMISING soldier who won the coveted top student award on a junior non-commissioned officer cadre died in a firefight in Afghanistan.
LCpl Tom Keogh, of 4th Battalion, The Rifles, was serving with the 3 Rifles Battlegroup when he was fatally wounded during the incident at Patrol Base Bariolai in Sangin.
The veteran of Op Telic 10 had rejoined the Army in 2009 after taking a one-year break and was immediately posted to 4 Rifles’ recconnaisance platoon.
The 24-year-old from Paddington, London, leaves behind his parents and two brothers. In a statement, his family said: “He loved the Army life and lived his life to the full. He brought laughter and happiness to all who knew him.”
The NCO’s commanding officer, Lt Col Rupert Jones, described him as “one of the very best soldiers in the battalion”.
He added: “The younger lads were drawn to him by his example and kindness. He was a genuine role model to them and they aspired to his standards.”
WO1 Lee Roberts, 4 Rifles’ RSM, said: “LCpl Keogh was the typical recce soldier in every aspect – fit, professional, loyal and trustworthy.
“He would crack on and get the job done to the best of his ability.”
Cpl Daniel Ord, who served with LCpl Keogh in Iraq, added: “Tom was a natural recce soldier and brother.
“He will be sorely missed.”