Sergeant Loughran-Dickson died on duty in Afghanistan after being shot on a routine patrol near Patrol Base Wahid, in Nad-e-Ali District, Helmand Province on November 18, 2009.
Sergeant Loughran-Dickson, known as Robert to his family, Rob or L-D to his friends and colleagues, was 33.
He was the proud father of a son, also named Robert, born in September 1992.
The Dickson family paid the following tribute: "Robert is a true hero in many ways of whom the whole family are extremely proud. He gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to. A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever. You will be greatly missed but always loved by all."
The youngest of three children, he was born and raised in the town of Deal in Kent. Together with his two sisters, he attended a local village primary school of fewer than 100 children, followed by the town's secondary school.
He enlisted into the Army in 1997, in the Royal, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
In 2001 he transferred to the Royal Military Police and has deployed on operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland and finally Afghanistan.
He was initially posted to 156 Provost Company and subsequently moved on to 160 Provost Company, 4th Regiment Royal Military Police which led to his deployment on Operation Herrick 11, in Helmand Province.
Sergeant Loughran-Dickson held a variety of positions during his time in the Army, including Police Post Non-Commissioned Officer, Motor Transport Non-Commissioned Officer, and Crime Reduction and Local Intelligence Officer. This last job was the one in which he got the most job satisfaction, giving crime reduction presentations, visiting schools or processing intelligence, and the job where he gained his promotion to Sergeant.
He was a keen runner, who enjoyed marathon races, as well as hill-walking and swimming.
His Commanding Offocer, Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, said: "Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was an exceptional soldier and was completely committed to the Royal Military Police; he will be sorely missed by the Regiment and by the military community in Aldershot.
"Prior to his deployment to Afghanistan, Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was the Local Intelligence Officer and a Community Policeman; he excelled in this role, where his calm personable nature, dedication and commitment plus his consistent enthusiasm for the job, made him stand out.
"He was totally professional, easy company and was the first to volunteer for anything – whether it was helping his colleagues, attending community events out of hours or taking on additional tasks. I had absolute faith in Sergeant Loughran-Dickson: he was utterly reliable, wise beyond his years and he simply got on with the job, quietly and without fuss."
Report this message By Debby Saunders on 22nd Dec 2009Rob I had the pleasure of meeting you through my niece, who regarded you as a true friend, when i met you, instantly i could see why... i may have only met you briefly, but your memory will always remain with me.. rest in peace,
Report this message By michelle boulton on 4th Dec 2009Whatever else we fail to do,
We never fail to think of you.
Report this message By Cassandra Lisa Winson on 30th Nov 2009I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but have heard from my sister Natalie what a wonderful person you were, RIP x
Report this message By michelle boulton on 27th Nov 2009Hero
Much loved, sadly missed, never forgotten.
Report this message By Christina Fisher on 24th Nov 2009You are now one of the brighest stars. May you rest in peace. God bless you and your family who are in our thoughts and prayers. Liam, Chris and Aisling.
Report this message By pat thomas on 21st Nov 2009I new Robert as a child as he lived next door to us and i know he will be sadley missed by all family and friends.From Pat and family.
Report this message By C M Walbran ex RAF on 20th Nov 2009R.I.P.Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson
My thoughts are with your Family, Friends and Comrades in the RMP
Report this message By Emma Morgan on 20th Nov 2009Whatever else we fail to do,
We never fail to think of you.
Ours is just a simple prayer,
God bless and keep you in His care.Rip Hero
Report this message By Administrator on 20th Nov 2009When I arrived at 160 Company in Aldershot, L-D was one of the first Non-Commissioned Officers I met. I knew that when he was on shift, with such an abundance of confidence, he had the ability to produce the goods under pressure. It was a pleasure to see him promoted to Sergeant and work with him here in Afghanistan, where he thrived on the responsibility and the opportunity to lead from the front.
He was one of the most professional Senior Non-Commissioned Officers I have had the pleasure of knowing."
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Jon Barnett
Report this message By Administrator on 20th Nov 2009Sergeant Rob Loughran-Dickson was a fine soldier and Military Policeman. Intelligent, confident, courteous and stalwart, he led from the front, happy to get stuck in at the sharp end, always setting an excellent example to his subordinates.
Sergeant Loughran-Dickson could always be relied on to provide sound advice for junior officers who had the privilege to have him under their command. His professionalism ensured he was well respected by all he worked with, regardless of rank.
Sergeant Loughran-Dickson's death is a tragic loss to the Royal Military Police and the British Army as a whole and my sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends."
- Lieutenant Dominic Ellis
Report this message By Administrator on 20th Nov 2009Sergeant L-D was an honest, caring, genuine and devoted soldier and father. He was the kind of man who commanded respect from all who worked with him. His work back in Aldershot was exemplary and in his role out here, even in such a short space of time, he was far superior.
L-D was a true friend whom I will deeply miss and even now cannot comprehend the void he will leave, not only in me but those he has served with and those he loved deeply and who loved him. I was proud and honoured to serve with him but above all being able to call him my friend. His smile I will miss the most.
Captain Karen Tait
Report this message By Administrator on 20th Nov 2009We have lost a talented, dedicated and much loved Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was deeply respected by all who served with him. Undoubtedly professional, he was adored by those he led and by those who served with him.
As a professional soldier and as a man, he has left a lasting contribution towards helping the people of Afghanistan. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
- Major Phil Hacker
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L-D.. One of the blokes
Report this message By Dean Smith on 13th Sep 2010