| Notes |
- Samuel Bassett
Soldier | Died in 2009
4th Battalion The Rifles, died on duty in Afghanistan.
Rifleman Samuel John Bassett, from 4th Battalion The Rifles died in Afghanistan on November 8, 2009.
The 20-year-old was killed in an explosion near Sangin in Helmand Province.
Rifleman Bassett leaves his mother Coline, father Simon (who lives in Canada) and 18-year-old brother Jack.
Rifleman Bassett's mother, Coline, paid the following tribute: "Samuel was not only my son, but Samuel and his brother Jack are my best friends. Samuel was a real character, always the joker, he will be so, so missed and loved forever - our proud little soldier. XXX
"During Samuel's last conversation with the family he said he was 'having the time of his life' and even joked when he spoke to his granddad whilst sitting on the roof watching the sun go down in Afghanistan, that he was also 'keeping his head down from the snipers.'"
Rifleman Samuel Bassett was born in Plymouth, Devon, on 27 September 1989.
He completed military training at Catterick before joining 4th Battalion The Rifles in Bulford in May, 2009. He deployed as a Rifleman with A Company, 4 RIFLES, as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, to Afghanistan in October.
He was serving as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group and was on a routine patrol to provide reassurance and security to the local population.
The Ministry of Defence paid its own tribute, saying: "Rifleman Bassett was a capable, bright and fun loving individual who was regarded as a real character by those with whom he worked.
"Young, fit and motivated, he undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him and much to offer his Company and his Regiment."
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said: "The loss of a Rifleman brimming with so much joie de vivre and potential is a painful blow to the Battle Group.
"A man who steps up time and again to clear such dangerous ground for his friends to pass safely is truly one to be honoured.
"Those of us left here to continue in the work that he was doing will be strengthened by his example and shall revere his sacrifice and memory. The thoughts of the Battle Group are firmly with his Battalion, his friends and above all his family and loved ones."
Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Jones, Commanding Officer 4 RIFLES, said: "Rifleman Sam Bassett had so much life ahead of him and has fallen before he had the opportunity to fulfil his true potential.
"Consistently thoughtful and considerate, he is remembered by those who went through basic training with him for always being there to help others.
"Despite being a private man, he was a natural character and his zest for life and fun saw him in more than his share of scrapes, not least after following his passion for motocross, racing around camp in the middle of the day.
"However, over the last month the challenges of operations in Afghanistan had seen a remarkable transformation in him allowing him to grow in stature and mature. His strength of character came to the fore and his fellow Riflemen came to rely on him.
"He regularly volunteered to lead his Section, clearing the ground for others to follow. There is no lonelier job and it takes real character and courage, but Rifleman Bassett showed that he had these traits in spades."
With his death the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 rose to 232.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1970 - 2009 (39 years)