THE soldier hacked to death in yesterday's terror
attack in Woolwich, south London, has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby of
2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The 25-year-old, born in Crumpsall, Manchester, was described by the
Ministry of Defence as a "loving father" to his two-year-old son Jack,
who will be "sorely missed by all who knew him".
Attached to the Regimental Recruiting Team in London, 'Riggers' was known as an "extremely popular and witty soldier" with a "larger than life personality".
The life-long Manchester United fan was deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan in April 2009.
Captain Alan Williamson - Adjutant Second Fusiliers - was Drummer Rigby's one-time Platoon Commander.
He said: "Drummer Rigby or ‘Riggers’ as he was known within the Platoon was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood."
"His loss will be felt across the Battalion but this is nothing compared to how his family must be feeling at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with them.
"Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor MBE, Commanding Officer Second Fusiliers, paid tribute to a "true warrior" who "served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus."
Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major Second Fusiliers, added: "He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums.
"He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again."
A shocked and tearful neighbour outside the family home - a council house on the Langley estate in Middleton, Greater Manchester - said: "He had always wanted to be in the army since he was knee high."
Attached to the Regimental Recruiting Team in London, 'Riggers' was known as an "extremely popular and witty soldier" with a "larger than life personality".
The life-long Manchester United fan was deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan in April 2009.
Captain Alan Williamson - Adjutant Second Fusiliers - was Drummer Rigby's one-time Platoon Commander.
He said: "Drummer Rigby or ‘Riggers’ as he was known within the Platoon was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood."
"His loss will be felt across the Battalion but this is nothing compared to how his family must be feeling at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with them.
"Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor MBE, Commanding Officer Second Fusiliers, paid tribute to a "true warrior" who "served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus."
Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major Second Fusiliers, added: "He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums.
"He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again."
A shocked and tearful neighbour outside the family home - a council house on the Langley estate in Middleton, Greater Manchester - said: "He had always wanted to be in the army since he was knee high."
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