A Winchester-based regiment has launched an appeal to raise money for the care of its wounded soldiers.

The Rifles unveiled Care for Casualties to raise £1 million for its regimental trust. It will provide care and support in future for servicemen.

It was launched by Lt Col Rupert Jones, Karen Charman-Allen, mother of Rifleman Philip Allen, 20, from Bournemouth who was killed last November, and Regimental Secretary Lt Col John Poole-Warren.

Some 46 members of the Rifles have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since the regiment was formed on February 1 2007.

The money, which will be raised through a series of fundraising events over the next six months, will be a vital lifeline for soldiers wounded in battle.

Speaking before the launch at regimental headquarters in Peninsula Barracks, Mrs Charman-Allen said it was her son’s dream to serve his country.

“When he was told he was going to Sangin he was terrified. He used to be realistic with me and say: ‘Mum, I might not come back’.

“He knew what he was doing, but at the end of the day he also knew there was a job out there to be done. He gave more than 100 per cent doing that job.”

Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, a bomb disposal expert from Winchester, was serving with the 2 Rifles when he was killed by an IED on October 31.

For more information on Care for Casualties go to riflescare.net or email c4c@the-rifles.co.uk