It is with profound sadness that the battalion informs you of the death of Pte Knowles of A (Norfolk) Company. Private Knowles was involved in a road traffic incident in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area on 19 September 2022.

Pte Philip Knowles enlisted into the Army on 1st March 2020. On completion of his training at the Infantry Training Centre he was posted to 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings). Pte Knowles Completed the Viking Advanced Infantry Skills Expansion Cadre (VAISEC) and joined A (Norfolk) Company on 15th July 2022.

Growing up in a military family Pte Knowles was devoted to joining the Army from a young age. His talent for soldiering was evident from the start, finishing third in his platoon at the Infantry Training Centre.

Throughout VAISEC he consistently showed his aptitude for soldiering and was identified as having the potential for early promotion. Loyal to the core, Pte Knowles immediately fitted into A (Norfolk) Company with his professionalism and love of sports. He was making the most of Army life and fully embraced the opportunities that living in Cyprus offered.

Quiet and diligent he had the respect and trust of those around him. Pte Knowles was fit, motivated, and determined with a bright future ahead of him. His mother and father will be in the thoughts and prayers of all in The Royal Anglian Regiment.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Graham Goodey, said: ‘The tragic loss of Private Philip Knowles has deeply affected everyone in our close-knit battalion community. He was a talented, vibrant, dedicated young soldier who volunteered for the noble cause of serving others and defending our nation. We will carry him home to his final resting place in Fiji with the utmost care, and we pray that his family may in time find solace through treasured memories of an honourable and happy life.’

Major James Walters commanding A (Norfolk) Company said: ‘Private Knowles was instantly popular in A (Norfolk) Company. He arrived with glowing reports from training and made his mark as a highly motivated and competent soldier. It was clear that he had chosen a profession that he loved and in which he was excelling. The loss felt by us all is testament to his character.’

Warrant Officer Class 2 Company Sergeant Major Dale Watson said: ‘Upon meeting Pte Knowles it was immediately apparent that he was going to have a successful career as a soldier. Diligent, loyal and with a mischievous streak, he naturally fitted in A (Norfolk) Company. His loss is felt by us all.’

Colour Sergeant Mark Anderson said: ‘In the short time I knew Pte Knowles he had proven himself to be a highly capable and determined soldier. There was no question that with his soldiering ability, he had a very promising career ahead of him. His loss will be felt across the battalion for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those that knew him’

LCpl Samu Konataci said: ‘Philip was always keen to learn as much as he could about soldiering. He was really fit and a great guy. He is missed by us all’

LCpl Simon Mataceva said: ‘Philip was taken from us far too young and far too soon. His loss has changed our world, but his love and memory will never fade. Rest easy brother.’

Pte Ratu Senibuli said: ‘Philip was a great friend. We are all devastated by this accident and really miss him.’