SOLDIERS are on red alert in Afghanistan after a Rifleman was killed on patrol in Helmand Province.

The death of Colour Serjeant Kevin Charles Fortuna from A Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles shows the threat soldiers are facing from Taliban insurgents, only a month into their tour of Afghanistan.

Colour Sjt Fortuna from 1Rifles, based in Beachley, was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Sayedabad Kalay area of the Nahr-e Saraj district on Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Rifles, paid tribute to him.

"Colour Sjt Fortuna was an utterly professional commander, Rifleman and a man of irreproachable integrity.

"His presence strengthened the Battalion and the loss with his passing will be acute. He was remarkable for many reasons, not least his complete and unwavering commitment to his Riflemen."

Marrilyn Smart, chairman of Forest of Dean District Council, said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Colour Sjt Charles Fortuna, the first casualty of 1 Rifles 2011 deployment in Afghanistan.

"His tragic death is a sharp reminder of the debt we owe to all those who serve our country in uniform and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our security at home.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this sad time."

Hundreds of soldiers from 1Rifles are having to divide their time between building trust with the Afghan National Army and communities, and fending off attacks by the Taliban.

Major Alex Price, whose job in Beachley is to keep in touch with soldiers at Patrol Base Two, Nahr-e Saraj South in Helmand Province, said: "We arrived on April 20 and fortunately we had quite a relaxed first two weeks in which to acclimatise.

"2 Para, whom we took over from, had done a good job keeping the Taliban away, and when we arrived none of the leaders were in the area. However, they are creeping back in now so the situation is ramping up."

1Rifles' main mission is to partner the 6 Kandak regiment of the Afghan National Army so they are in place to defend their countries after British, US and allied troops pull out, and part of that job is to stop the enemy from thwarting that aim.

Last week, Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, visited the base, where he received a briefing from Lt Col de Labilliere.

Back at home, Foresters are digging deep to support families of 1Rifles soldiers.

A total of £30,300 has been raised so far for the battalion's Swift and Bold Wristband Appeal, to be used to support families, spouses and partners of soldiers killed or wounded.