A soldier who was shot dead in Afghanistan has been named as Lieutenant Andrew Robert Chesterman of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
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’s father, Paul Chesterman, said on Saturday that his family had lost "a fine young man", adding that they were "immensely proud" of him.
"We have lost a fine young man. It was readily apparent that Andrew gave himself fully and wholeheartedly to his career in 3 Rifles," Mr Chesterman said.
"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."
