The British soldier slain in a gruesome cleaver attack in London was a well-liked infantryman and machine gunner who served in Afghanistan and Cyprus , and then became a military recruiter and ceremonial drummer outside the royal palaces , the military said Thursday . Drummer Lee Rigby , 25 , was part of the Regimental Recruiting Team in London , and as a machine gunner , he was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers . The Fusiliers , an infantry group , are known for the hackle , or feather plume , in their military headdress . Rigby had a 2-year-old son , Jack , the UK Ministry of Defense said . Witness : Attackers 'were just animals ' Fellow soldiers described him as having an engaging personality . He joined the army in 2006 and acquired the nickname `` Riggers '' in his platoon . `` He was a real character within the Second Fusiliers , '' Lt. Col. Jim Taylor , commanding officer of the 2nd Fusiliers , said in a statement . `` 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 and served with distinction in Afghanistan , Germany and Cyprus . '' Rigby also loved soccer 's Manchester United , soldiers said . `` He was one of the Battalion 's great characters , always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood with his fellow Fusiliers , '' Warrant Officer Ned Miller of the 2nd Fusiliers said in a statement . `` He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums . He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again . '' Rigby was born in Crumpsall , Manchester . After joining the army , his first post was in Cyprus as a machine gunner in Dhekelia , the military said . In 2008 , he was assigned to Hounslow , West London , and became `` 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 honour for a line infantry Corps of Drums , '' the ministry said . London attack mirrors plot to behead Muslim soldier . In 2009 , he deployed on operations `` for the first time , '' sent to Afghanistan 's Helmand province , where he was a member of a fire support group at Patrol Base Woqab . He then returned to the UK and completed a second tour of public duties . Later , he followed the battalion to Celle , Germany . In 2011 , he became a recruiter at the Regimental Headquarters in the Tower of London . London attack : Terrorist targeting soldiers at home again ? Rigby `` was a cheeky and humorous man , always there with a joke to brighten the mood ; he was an extremely popular member of the Fire Support Group , '' said Capt . Alan Williamson , who was Rigby 's platoon commander from 2010 to 2011 . Rigby 's death attracted worldwide attention because the slaying scene was captured on a cell phone camera .
Drummer Lee `` Riggers '' Rigby , 25 , was a machine gunner who became a recruiter . He died in an explosion while on patrol with his unit near the Afghan border. As a drummer , he stood outside the Royal Palaces . He was also the father of a 2-year-old son , Jack .