Blast hero died in road accident

Rifleman Ross Robinson, from Leeds, who served with 4th Battalion, The Rifles, was killed close to Amesbury in Wiltshire – near Bulford Barracks – early in the morning of April 29.

The 21-year-old had been recovering from a back wound caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) last year that killed a close comrade.

Despite his own injuries in the explosion, which occurred in the winter of 2009, he carried on clearing the ground and helped with the evacuation of his friend, Rifleman Sam Bassett.

It was only later that he was taken from Afghanistan to work his way back to health. He had been in the country for six weeks before the device detonated and ended his tour.

Rifleman Robinson was in an accident with a Volkswagen van on the A303, one day after he left the rehabilitation centre at Headley Court in Surrey.

His death comes only days after the last members of the battalion returned to Britain.

A single man who had served for 18 months, Rifleman Robinson leaves his parents, brother and daughter Lilly May.

The Commanding Officer 4 Rifles, Lt Col Rupert Jones, said yesterday: "He was a young man, much loved by his fellow Riflemen for his quick tongue, humour and character. Never far from trouble, he lifted the mood of all those around him.

"He had come a long way during his short time in the Army. He struggled more than most at Catterick as he made the transition to his new life. However, he matured rapidly on arrival in the Battalion and particularly during his short time in Afghanistan.

"He took on the role as lead man in his section, clearing the ground for those that followed. There is no lonelier task and it demands real depth of courage and selflessness.

"He showed humbling commitment when his friend Rifleman Sam Bassett was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device. His back was injured in the blast, but he carried on clearing the ground and helped the evacuation of his friend, only seeking assistance once safely back off the ground.

"Once in the UK he displayed great courage and fortitude as he recovered. Indeed, he only came out from Headley Court the day before he died and was looking forward to making a full recovery."

The Officer Commanding, A Company, Maj Richard Streatfield, added: "He was making a steady recovery when he was tragically killed. With Robbo on the scene, mirth was never far behind.

"He had a strong sense of the ridiculous. Not short of a word or two on any subject, he had a theory for everything.

"When involved in the incident that killed his mate, he picked himself up and despite his injuries, made the path safe for the evacuation. Only later as he began to feel the true extent of his injuries was he too evacuated. A real hero."