Lee Rigby, a 25-year-old who was hacked to death by two Islamists in broad daylight in a southeast village of London on Wednesday. Rigby, from Crumpsall Manchester was a drummer in the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, International Business Times reported. The Ministry of Defense described Rigby, known to his friends as "Riggers," as "extremely popular and witty soldier with a larger than life personality." Rigby was also a father to his 2-year-old son Jack.
"Drummer Lee Rigby was a dedicated and professional soldier. He was a real character with the 2nd Fusilliers. 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," Lt. Col. Jim Taylor Commanding Officer 2nd Fusilliers said.
The statement said Rigby was born in Manchester, England and joined the army in 2006, NBC News reported. He was deployed in Helmand province, Afghanistan in April 2009 "where he served as a member of the Fire Support Group in Patrol Base Qoqab.
Rigby previously helped to guard the U.K.'s royal palaces. "He was an integral member of the Corps of Drums throughout the Battalion's time on public duties, the highlight of which was being a part of the Household Division's Beating the Retreat - a real honor for a line infantry Corps of Drums," the statement from the U.K. Army read.
Rigby also served with his unit in Cyprus and Germany. In 2011, he began a recruiting post in London, assisting with the duties at the Tower of London.
Cpt. Alan Williamson, his platoon commander from 2010 to 2011 remembered a "cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood."
Mourners paid tribute to Rigby at the Royal Artillery Barracks, close to where he was murdered. "To a hero taken from us too soon, may your rest in peace. Always in our hearts, Martin, Fay and Hope, fellow soldier family," Internatonal Business Times imes reported.
