‘Soldier’s slip triggered bomb’

Bombardier Robinson enjoyed walking in the Welsh mountains

An inquest is being held into the death of a Welsh soldier who became the 100th member of UK forces to be killed in the Sangin area of southern Afghanistan.

Bombardier Sam Robinson, of 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, died in an explosion on 8 July 2010 while on foot patrol.

The 31-year-old, from Carmarthen, was on his fourth operational tour of Afghanistan.

A physical training instructor, “Robbo” was a keen swimmer and hill walker.

At the time of his death, 11 years after he joined the army, his family said: “Sam was doing the job that he loved and was proud to be doing it.

“We are all very proud of him and we will miss him for ever.”

Lt Col Richard Hayhurst, commanding officer 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, described Bombardier Robinson as a “courageous” man who held the respect of all that knew him.

“His strength of character, professionalism, and outright robustness made him a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

“He was the perfect role model for the rest of the regiment and in particular the young members of 4/73 Battery.

“He was special and will be sorely missed. His tragic loss has come as a shock to us all and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family and to his friends.”

The inquest will be held at the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court in Trowbridge.

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