At approximately 6.30pm on Thursday 23 August 2007, Pte Robert Foster was killed during a fighting patrol to disrupt enemy activity and reassure the local population north west of Kajaki, in northern Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Pte Foster’s platoon came under accurate fire from a determined Taliban force. During the ensuing firefight air support was requested to engage the enemy positions and it was then that a bomb tragically struck the compound where Pte Foster and his section were located. An emergency helicopter was tasked to assist, however, sadly Pte Foster was pronounced dead at the scene.

Robert enlisted into the British Army in April 2006 and having completed training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in October the same year. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK and Kenya.

As a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company, Pte Foster had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007 on his first operational tour. He had seen significant action during his short time with the Battalion being involved in numerous engagements with the Taliban often at close quarters, in the most demanding circumstances. In these situations he fought with a strength and courage that belied his relative inexperience, testament to his unswerving commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Pte Foster was one of the company’s real characters. An extrovert by nature, his gregarious approach was a refreshing relief from the stresses of combat; unsurprisingly he was hugely popular within his platoon and the wider company. He had the rare quality to always see the bright side of any situation, irrespective of the severity of events. His confidence and excellent sense of humour shone through at every stage, lifting the morale of all those around him.

An accomplished rifleman who worked hard for his mates, Pte Foster clearly enjoyed Army life and being among his fellow soldiers. He had a bright future in a career that he loved. His absence will be felt deeply within the Company.