THE soldier killed in Woolwich yesterday has been identified as Drummer Lee Rigby, a father of a two-year-old.

He was from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and was borning in born in July 1987 in Crumpsall, Manchester.

He joined the Army in 2006 and was a member of the Corps of Drums and posted to 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (also known as the ‘Second Fusiliers’ or ‘2 RRF’), a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

Drummer Rigby's first posting abroad was in Cyprus, before he returned to the UK in 2008. His duties included standing proudly outside the Royal Palaces as part of the Battalion’s public duties commitment. 

In April 2009, Drummer Rigby - known as Riggers - was sent to Afghanistan, where he served as a member of the Fire Support Group in Patrol Base Woqab. On returning to the UK he completed a second tour of public duties and then moved with the Battalion to Celle, Germany.

In 2011 he took up a recruiting post in London, while also assisting with duties at the regimental  headquarters at the Tower of London.

The spokesman described Drummer Rigby as "an extremely popular and witty soldier, a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers".

The spokesman added: "He was a loving father to his son Jack and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The Regiment’s thoughts and prayers are with his family during this extremely difficult time. 'Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.'

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor MBE, Commanding Officer Second Fusiliers, said: "Drummer Lee Rigby was a dedicated and professional soldier. He was a real character within the Second Fusiliers.

"Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums. An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.

"His ability, talent and personality made him a natural choice to work in the recruiting group. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the Second Fusiliers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Once a Fusilier, Always a Fusilier.

Captain Alan Williamson, Adjutant Second Fusiliers (and Drummer Rigby’s Platoon Commander 2010-2011), added: "Drummer Rigby or ‘Riggers’ as he was known within the Platoon was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood, he was an extremely popular member of the Fire Support Group (FSG).

"An excellent side drummer and highly competent machine gunner, he was always there to help out the younger members of the FSG whenever possible. His loss will be felt across the Battalion but this is nothing compared to how his family must be feeling at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with them. Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."

Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major Second Fusiliers, said: "Riggers is what every battalion needs. He was one of the Battalion’s great characters always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood with his fellow Fusiliers. He was an excellent drummer and well respected within the Drums platoon.

"He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums. He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again. My thoughts are with his family and they will always be part of the Fusilier family. Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."

Sergeant Barry Ward, Drum Major Second Fusiliers, said: "Drummer Rigby was a loving father, with a very bubbly character. He was an excellent Drummer, loved his job and was a highly popular member of the Platoon.

"He had served in Afghanistan as an FSG Operator and was very diligent in his work. He was always around when needed and will be sorely missed by all members of the Second Fusiliers Corps of Drums. Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."