Corporal Andrew Steven Roberts and Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi
Corporal Andrew Steven Roberts and Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi were killed on Friday, May 4th 2012 by an indirect fire attack on FOB Oullette in the Nahr-e Saraj region of Helmand Province. They were soldiers from the Royal Logistics Corps attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment and serving as part of Combined Force Burma.
Corporal Andrew Roberts, 32 years of age, from Middlesbrough, leaves behind his girlfriend, Paula, daughters, Jessica and Kayla, and son, Kyle. He was commanding an Advanced Search Team in the Operations section of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Search Task Force. As an Advanced Search Team commander he was responsible for leading his men in detecting IEDs in high risk areas.
In performing this role he undoubtedly saved many lives. Both British and Afghan.
His children, and family as a whole, said in a statement:
“For our brave Dad who went away to build sand castles and stop the bad men hurting people. We love you to the moon and back. You are an angel in Heaven now looking down on us all, we wish yesterday had never happened and you were still here to phone us and take us out. You were the best Dad, we remember all the fun things we did, we will never forget you and will love you forever. You are our Hero and we will pray for you always.”
Paula made the following statement:
“Andrew truly was a hero and I’m so proud of what he achieved, he was such a special, kind and caring person. I was blessed to have spent the past two and a half years with Andrew. He made me and my son Josh so happy. I have lost my soul mate and my best friend. The memories I have of our time together I will hold in my heart forever. Sweet dreams my hero all my love always.”
Lieutenand Colonel Simon Bell, Commanding Officer Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Search Task Force said:
"The tragic loss of Corporal Roberts has deeply shocked the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force and I am sure will have a similar effect on his home unit, 23 Pioneer Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps.
"A talented Junior Non Commissioned Officer, Corporal Roberts had leadership qualities in spades. He was fit and determined and set exactly the right example, truly inspiring his subordinates to do their very best.
“During demanding times, both physically and mentally, here in Afghanistan, Corporal Roberts continually stepped up to the plate and proved entirely worthy of the authority and responsibility bestowed upon him as a Corporal. His upbeat, determined nature balanced with humour, humility and understanding allowed him to command his Advanced Search Team extremely effectively. His team were utterly reliable due to his professionalism and leadership abilities.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dom Fletcher, RLC Commanding Officer 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC said:
"Corporal Andrew Roberts, known to everyone as ‘Ginge’, is a man I am proud to say I knew well. This junior commander was the epitome of a Pioneer soldier; brave, fit, robust and a ‘salt of the earth character’, who led his soldiers from the front and by example at all times. Ginge had a very infectious and engaging sense of humour, that made him hugely popular with all ranks and he could lighten any dark moment with his cheeky wit and northern banter. He was a selfless man and one of complete integrity. He took great pride in his role as the Section Commander of an Advanced Search Team serving with the Counter IED and Search Task Force in Afghanistan and he was always looking out for the welfare of his soldiers. ‘Ginge’ is quite simply irreplaceable, and all of us in 23 Pioneer Regiment will miss him terribly.
Corporal ‘Ginge’ Roberts volunteered to deploy as an Advanced Search Team Commander an Op HERRICK 16, despite knowing the risks of operating in this role.True to his usual enthusiastic, gritty and positive character, he wanted to be at the ‘sharp end’ on operations with his soldiers, where he could instil his professional standards and safeguard his troops in this demanding role. He died amongst his blokes, in the field, doing the job he loved."
Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi, 32 years of age, from Fiji, he leaves behind his brothers, Saimoni, Kaveri and Ratumeli, sisters, Mereoni, Salote and extended family.
He had a busy career in the Army, with deployments to Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009. He completed public duties at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. He was a promising athlete, in particular running, who represented his regiment at athletics.
Lieutenand Colonel Simon Bell, Commanding Officer Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Search Task Force said:
"The terrible loss of Private Silibaravi has come as a shock to all of us in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force and I know that it will affect his parent unit, 23 Pioneer Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps in a similar manner.
"A quiet, yet determined and popular soldier, Private Silibaravi was a professional and committed individual. Strong and fit, he had an excellent work ethic, throwing himself wholeheartedly at every challenge. The number of operational tours that he had successfully completed is testament to his dedication and professionalism.
“Quite new to the specialist role of an Advanced Searcher, Private Silibaravi was nonetheless showing significant potential and promise for the future. He had easily taken on the skills required to add value to a team employed in the finding of deadly Improvised Explosive Devices in order that they can be safely disposed of. In the harsh and demanding conditions faced here in Afghanistan, his quiet confidence and clear inner strength had a positive, calming effect on those around him.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dom Fletcher, RLC Commanding Officer 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC said:
"Private Ratu Silibaravi was one of my most experienced soldiers. Steadfast, redoubtable and brave, this soldier was a Pioneer to his core. A man of strong belief and affable character, he was immensely popular in the Regiment and a highly valued member of his Search team.
“Private Ratu Silibaravi was a obvious choice when volunteers were required to train for the high risk role of Advanced Search in Afghanistan. With his broad operational experience, and his superb soldiering skills, he quickly established himself as an invaluable member of his section. Intelligent and thoughtful by nature, he was highly professional and always gave 100% to any task he was given. He died amongst his friends, on operations in a role that is vital to achieving progress in Afghanistan and highly regarded by all deployed UK forces.”
These deaths bring the number of British casualties from the Afghanistan conflict to 412.
We will remember them…
