The body of a Kent soldier killed in Afghanistan last week has been flown back to Britain.
Sergeant Robert Loughran-Dickson, from Deal, died on Wednesday night while on routine patrol in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province
The 33-year-old, who was known as Rob or L-D to his friends, had been in the Army for 12 years and had been serving for the Royal Military Police before he was killed.
Last week his family paid tribute to the father-of-one, who leaves behind his 17-year-old son Robert.
They said: “He is a true hero in many ways of whom the whole family is extremely proud.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to.
“A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever.
“You will be greatly missed, but always loved by all.”
The Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth MP also paid tribute to the sergeant.
He said: “I was very saddened to learn of the death of Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson.
“His commanders describe him as an exceptional soldier and I know his loss will be felt greatly amongst his colleagues and friends in the Royal Military Police.”
Sgt Loughran-Dickson attended primary and secondary schools in Deal before enlisting into the Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1997.
He transferred to the Royal Military Police in 2001 and was deployed on operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.
He held a number of posts during his time in the Army and was a crime reduction and local intelligence officer when he died.
This involved working with schools, giving presentations and processing intelligence and it was through this role he was promoted to sergeant.
Lt Col Debbie Poneskis, commanding officer 4th regiment Royal Military Police, said he will be sorely missed by the troop.
“He was totally professional, easy company and was the first to volunteer for anything,” she said.
“I had absolute faith in Sgt Loughran-Dickson, he was utterly reliable, wise beyond his years and he simply got on with the job quietly and without fuss.
“He was an extremely proud father and his son Robert is a credit to him.”
Captain Karen Tait, operations officer at 160 Provost Company and one of Sgt Loughran-Dickson’s good friends, echoed the words of Lt Col Poneskis.
She added: “He was a true friend whom I will deeply miss and even now cannot comprehend the void he will leave, not only in me but those he has served with and those he loved deeply and who loved him.
“I was proud and honoured to serve with him, but above all being able to call him my friend.
“His smile I will miss the most.”
POSTED: 24/11/2009 14:29:36
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