Guardsman Michael Roland was killed on operations whilst serving with The Queen's Company,  First Battalion Grenadier Guards on the 27th of April 2012.

Guardsman Roland was the epitome of a Grenadier Guardsman: fit, tenacious and a character. He was loved by all for his niche sense of humour and the deep gravelly voice he delivered it with. He was also respected by all for all his skill as in infanteer. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him but at least we can find solace in knowing he died doing a job he loved.

He leaves behind his fiance and twin sons.

 

The Queen's Company were involved in some of the fiercest fighting in Afghanistan throughtout the summer of 2012. The Company fought in conditions where temperatures regularly exceeded 50 degrees celsius, being attacked numerous times a day and on ground heavily seeded with roadside bombs and devices.

 The Queen's Company return to their home barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire at the end of october after a very successful but very difficult and costly tour.

 

As a testement to the regard in which Guardsman Roland was held, the men of The Queen's Company held a charity event in his memory. As his fitness was well known throughout the Battalion it was decided it should be a physical challenge, to mark the Companys return home, they completed a triathlon completing the equivalent distance from MOB Price, Afghanistan to Lille Barracks, Aldershot using stationary bikes, rowing machine and treadmill. A distance of just over 4500 miles.

The challenge took place between 0800 on the 11th of october and concluded at 1425 on the 15th of october, almost 3 days faster than the week target they gave themselves.

Any donations made to HELP FOR HEROES will contribute to the rehabilitation of injured soldiers from the Grenadier Guards and the armed forces as a whole. Providing facilities for those injured and support for the families of those injured and killed.

thank you