LCpl Joe Rix died tragically in a road traffic accident on the B1172 London road between Norwich and Wymondham in the early hours of Saturday 17th October 2009. He was 22 years old and came from the Norfolk town of Wymondham. He had joined the Army in October 2004 and completed his training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. Whilst in training, Joe stood out as a model recruit and was awarded with ‘Best Shot’.

On completing his training Joe was posted to the 1st Battalion in Pirbright. Very shortly after his arrival, he found himself on his first operational tour as a rifleman in Iraq. As a member of 5 Platoon, B Company, he was stationed in the town of Az Zubyar between April and October 2005. On return to the UK Joe took part in numerous Battalion Level exercises including a TESEX on Salisbury Plain, as a member of OPFOR in Canada and pre-Afghanistan training in Kenya. In April 2007 Joe deployed with the Battalion to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 6 as a rifleman and Section 2ic in 5 Platoon. During this tour, Joe’s strength and character helped his Section through some very difficult times. Fighting with B Company up and down Helmand’s notorious Green Zone and the desert plains of Kajaki, he could always be relied upon to fight bravely when in contact. Joe was able to deal with the enemy and also employ his much loved sense of humour to stir his fellow Vikings.

Returning from Afghanistan, Joe decided that he would take his first step onto the promotional ladder and so completed the Queen’s Division Fire Team Commanders Cadre in Brecon. He put his best efforts into completing this arduous course and was awarded with Top Student and subsequently promoted to LCpl.

LCpl Rix was an inspirational leader, loved by those he led and served with. He was completely devoted to training, caring for and leading his men. At the time of his death, Joe was spending his last few days with his beloved family and friends at home in Wymondham, before once again deploying to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 11. He had just completed an intensive Pre- Deployment Training Package. During this training period he devoted his time to his men, ensuring that his experience and knowledge was passed on to them; he wished for nothing more than to lead his Section on operations. Although a young soldier himself, he was an outstanding role model to his men and the epitome of a modern day soldier; a young man with a huge appetite for soldiering that is rarely matched; and an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with Joe’s family and he will remain forever with us as a Viking.

TRN