Soldier's body is returned home

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Rifleman's body is returned to UK

The body of a 20-year-old Dorset soldier killed on patrol in Afghanistan has been returned to the UK.

Rifleman Philip Allen, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died in an explosion near Sangin, central Helmand, on 7 November.

His body was repatriated to RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, just after midday. His coffin was due to be driven through the nearby town of Wootton Bassett.

Rifleman Allen, from Verwood, attended school in Dorchester and joined the Army in the spring.

His body was repatriated along with Rifleman Samuel John Bassett, from Plymouth, Devon, who died following an explosion on 8 November.

Rifleman Philip Allen was killed by an explosion while on patrol

A private ceremony was due to be held at RAF Lyneham for the soldiers' families.

The bodies were returned onboard a Globemaster plane, which flew over the base in blustery conditions before coming in to land.

At the time of his death Rifleman Allen was serving with A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles, within the 3 Rifles Battle Group.

His platoon was conducting a patrol to provide security for local Afghans.

Lyle Harmon-Beglan, Rifleman Allen's former head teacher at Old Penwithen School, Dorchester, told BBC News the soldier was "very committed" to joining the Army.

"Back in 2003 he was asked to represent the Dorchester Army Cadets in laying the wreath at Remembrance Sunday," he said.

"It was a very proud moment for myself, his mother and Philip came across from Verwood to lay the wreath.

"It's tragic that six years almost to the day that we are now remembering Philip."