Father tells of pride in soldier shot on patrol

THE father of Lieutenant Andrew Robert Chesterman of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who died while on patrol in Afghanistan, said yesterday that his family had lost “a fine young man”.

Paul Chesterman said that Lt Chesterman’s family were “immensely proud” of him.

The 26-year-old, from Guildford, Surrey, was commanding a vehicle patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on Thursday when the lead ­vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb.

The Ministry of Defence said that as Lt Chesterman moved forward to take control of the situation, insurgents opened fire and he was shot.

He was taken to hospital in Camp Bastion but could not be saved.

Lt Chesterman, a Platoon Commander in C Company, 3rd Battalion The 
Rifles, was deployed to 
Afghanistan on 7 April this year.

He leaves behind his father and sisters Anna and Olivia.

Mr Chesterman said: “We have lost a fine young man. It was readily apparent that Andrew gave himself fully and wholeheartedly to his career in 3 Rifles.

“At a battalion dinner shortly before Operation Herrick 16, I was proud 
to see his easy, close 
and well-accepted rapport with his fellow young 
officers.

“Andrew was accomplished in many areas.

He developed a skill to play both the trombone and piano, graduated with a masters degree in engineering, qualified as a mountain leader, enjoyed team yacht racing and was proficient on skis.

“His family are immensely proud of him and will carry him very dearly in their hearts.”