Hero's mum calls on locals to support Rifles (From Dorset Echo)

Hero's mum calls on locals to support Rifles

12:00pm Monday 7th June 2010 in News By James Tourgout

THE mother of fallen soldier Phil Allen has issued a rallying cry for a Rifles march through Dorchester.

Karen Charman-Allen has called for people to line the streets for the afternoon parade on Wednesday, June 16.

The Salamanca Band of the Rifles will lead 150 uniformed officers and soldiers from A Company 4th Battalion The Rifles through the county town.

Karen, whose son Phil died in Afghanistan last November, said: “I would urge people just to get out there and show their support.

“These soldiers have actually witnessed their mates being killed and injured.

“It will mean so much to them to be appreciated in this way.

“It will show that they are being thought of and will be a great morale boost.”

Karen added: “I lost my son. When people come up to me and say thank you for what he did for this country it makes me feel proud and that his death was not in vain.”

Rifleman Phil, 20, who was a former pupil at Penwithen School in Dorchester, was killed by a roadside bomb near Sangin in Helmand while on patrol with the Rifles last November.

A Company 4th Battalion The Rifles was invited by Dorchester Town Council to march through the town. The aim is to pay tribute to the soldiers and their respects for five soldiers from A Company who died during a six- month tour of duty.

Company Commander Major Richard Streatfeild will lead the march after a private service at St Peter’s Church.

The soldiers will march in desert combat uniforms from Poundbury Barracks at 12.30pm, through High West Street and South Street to the War Memorial.

Dorchester Mayor Les Phillips will give an address and inspection before the soldiers turn into Trinity Street and back to High West Street.