A YOUNG Forest of Dean father-of-two, who was serving with

the Rifles, has died in a road accident in Germany.

Lance Corporal Ricky Baldwin, 23, from Forest Road, Lydney,

died last Monday .

He leaves his wife Sadie, 21, daughter, Lilly-Mai, 15

months, and son, Oliver, four months.

The former Whitecross School pupil was driving home from his

base with the 5 Rifles Battalion alone on Monday at around

4.30pm when the incident occurred.

He swerved to avoid a car and then collided with an

articulated lorry.

Ricky's father, Trevor Baldwin, 47, has paid tribute to a

son who “lived life on the edge”.

He said: “I'm very very proud of Ricky and everything he

achieved.

“He always wanted to be in the forces and that's the way it

was. He even volunteered to go out to Afghanistan later this

year to serve with his brother Mitch.

“He lived life on the edge.”

Ricky's younger brother Mitchell, 17, said: “He was getting

a transfer to 1 Rifles so he could be with me when I go out to

Afghanistan. He always wanted to be where the action was.”

Ricky had previously served in Iraq, Kosovo, Northern

Ireland and recently for two months in Canada.

He was based in Paderborn and lived in Detmold with his

family.

Messages have flooded in to a tribute page for Ricky on the

social networking website, Facebook.

His wife Sadie said: “You will always be mine, Lilly and

Ollie will know how fantastic you were. You wont ever be

forgotten.

“I will always wear my ring so people know I'm yours

forever. Not even death can part us.”

His youngest brother, Mitchell, 17, said: “It was only the

other day we were talking about going to Afghanistan and

dodging the bullets together. Now we can't do that.

“I know you will be there with me. I love you rik. I have

always looked up to you. Hope I'm doing you proud. love you

always big bro xxxxxxxxxxxxx.”

Ricky's other brother, Daniel, 21 said: “Words can't

describe how much I miss and love you. You will always be my

big bro and I know you will always be looking out for me

wherever you are.”

Matthew Rose said: “I will always be proud to think I was

and am your best friend, your best man. Ill never forget

you.”

The tribute page, entitled 'In Loving Memory Of Ricky

Husband Dad And Brother', currently has 366 members.

The date of Ricky's funeral has not yet been decided, but it

will be a full military service at St. Mary's Church in

Lydney.