Corporal
3rd Battalion
The Yorkshire Regiment
British Army
He was deployed with the 1 Coldstream Guards Battle Group as part of the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
He and LCpl Graham Shaw were killed when two roadside bombs exploded while they were on foot patrol near Malgir, which lies between Babaji and Gereshk, in central Helmand province.
Aged 21, from Killamarsh in Derbyshire. Cpl Riley joined the army in July 2005, completed the section commanders' battle course in 2009 and was promoted to corporal later that year. Lauded as an exceptionally talented soldier and promising junior NCO, he was the youngest corporal in his battalion. When his commanding officers asked for volunteers to Afghanistan in December, Liam jumped at the chance, although he could have opted for a posting to train troops in Saudi Arabia. He enjoyed many sports, especially football, and was a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday FC supporter.
Tributes included one from Prince Harry, who served with Cpl Riley in 2007 at military training unit in Suffield, Alberta, Canada. The Prince said, "He was a legend. A really special man who got us all going and heading in the right direction. It was a privilege to have worked alongside him."
Cpl Riley is survived by his mother Cheryl (Trevor) Routledge, father Michael Riley, older brother Jonathan and younger sister Olivia, other relatives and friends. In a statement, his family said he had taken to Army life "like a duck to water. Liam was a wonderful son who always wanted to join the Army from being very young. He loved Army-style stories as a little boy. He was very conscientious with his Army work and didn't want to disappoint anyone."
Funeral with full military honours was held in Sheffield Cathedral on February 24, 2010.
In September 2010, Cpl Riley was posthumously awarded a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant service.
*Sincere thanks to grainne for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.
*Thanks to Debbie Allen for the grave photos
Corporal
3rd Battalion
The Yorkshire Regiment
British Army
He was deployed with the 1 Coldstream Guards Battle Group as part of the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
He and LCpl Graham Shaw were killed when two roadside bombs exploded while they were on foot patrol near Malgir, which lies between Babaji and Gereshk, in central Helmand province.
Aged 21, from Killamarsh in Derbyshire. Cpl Riley joined the army in July 2005, completed the section commanders' battle course in 2009 and was promoted to corporal later that year. Lauded as an exceptionally talented soldier and promising junior NCO, he was the youngest corporal in his battalion. When his commanding officers asked for volunteers to Afghanistan in December, Liam jumped at the chance, although he could have opted for a posting to train troops in Saudi Arabia. He enjoyed many sports, especially football, and was a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday FC supporter.
Tributes included one from Prince Harry, who served with Cpl Riley in 2007 at military training unit in Suffield, Alberta, Canada. The Prince said, "He was a legend. A really special man who got us all going and heading in the right direction. It was a privilege to have worked alongside him."
Cpl Riley is survived by his mother Cheryl (Trevor) Routledge, father Michael Riley, older brother Jonathan and younger sister Olivia, other relatives and friends. In a statement, his family said he had taken to Army life "like a duck to water. Liam was a wonderful son who always wanted to join the Army from being very young. He loved Army-style stories as a little boy. He was very conscientious with his Army work and didn't want to disappoint anyone."
Funeral with full military honours was held in Sheffield Cathedral on February 24, 2010.
In September 2010, Cpl Riley was posthumously awarded a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant service.
*Sincere thanks to grainne for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.
*Thanks to Debbie Allen for the grave photos
