Some Gave All: Lt Andrew Chesterman

Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman killed in Afghanistan

11 Aug 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce the death of Lieutenant Andrew Robert Chesterman of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who died as a result of wounds sustained by enemy action in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on 9 August 2012.

Lieutenant Chesterman was commanding a vehicle patrol when the lead vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. As he moved forward to take control of the situation the patrol was engaged by insurgent small arms fire and Lieutenant Chesterman was shot.

Despite the best efforts of his fellow Riflemen at the scene, the medical emergency response team and the staff at the Bastion hospital, Lieutenant Chesterman could not be saved.

Lieutenant Andrew Robert Chesterman

Lieutenant Chesterman deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 7 April 2012. As a Platoon Commander in C Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, he initially worked in the Nad-e Ali district as part of 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment Battle Group. In June 2012, as part of an increased focus on mentoring the Afghan National Police, Lieutenant Chesterman was given a new task of forming a Police Advisory Team, working for 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Battle Group.

Born on 14 January 1986 in Guildford, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southampton before attending the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and then the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He commissioned into The Rifles in December 2010 and after completing the Platoon Commanders' Battle Course, joined the 3rd Battalion.

Lieutenant Chesterman was quite simply an exceptional Rifles officer. He was popular, utterly professional, dependable and naturally gifted. Through his inspiring leadership he had earned the respect of his fellow Riflemen on operations under the toughest of circumstances. He had a very bright future ahead of him. His authoritative leadership and determined approach would have carried him far. The swiftest and boldest of Riflemen, he will never be forgotten.

He leaves behind his father Paul and sisters Anna and Olivia.

Lieutenant Chesterman's father, Paul Chesterman, paid the following tribute:

"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 Op 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 working as team yacht racing and was proficient on skis. His family are immensely proud of him and will carry him very dearly in their hearts."

Go spend some time here and learn of this fine young Lieutenant, who gave his all...


Rest In Peace, Sir.