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Graven Hill Remembers

Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi

Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi

Street: Silibaravi Drive
Rank: Private
Full Name: Ratu Manasa Silibaravi
Nickname: “Sili”
Born: Fiji
Age: 32
Date of Death: 4 May 2012
Location: Forward Operating Base Ouellette, Nahr-e-Saraj district, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Operation: Operation HERRICK 16
Unit: 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
Role: Advanced Searcher
Service History: Joined 2002; Iraq (2003), Afghanistan (2006, 2009, 2012)
Burial: Military Cemetery, Reservoir Road, Fiji

About Private Silibaravi

Section titled “About Private Silibaravi”

Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi, known as “Sili,” was a Fijian-born soldier killed on 4 May 2012 alongside Corporal Andrew Steven Roberts in an indirect fire attack on Forward Operating Base Ouellette in Helmand Province. He was an Advanced Searcher responsible for detecting IEDs in high-risk areas.

Full Biography

Section titled “Full Biography”

Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi (Sili) deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 16 on 11 March 2012 as a member of an Advanced Search Team in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force. As an Advanced Searcher, Private Silibaravi and his team were responsible for the detection of Improvised Explosive Devices in areas deemed to be high risk.

On 18 April 2012, Private Silibaravi was deployed in support of 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh to the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province. His team had conducted several search operations to clear irrigation ditches and enhance the security of operating bases, as well as deploying to provide direct Counter Improvised Explosive Device support to patrolling troops.

In doing this, Private Silibaravi and his team not only ensured freedom of movement for International Security Assistance Forces and Afghan National Security Forces, but undoubtedly saved the lives of both Afghans and International personnel.

Private Silibaravi was 32 years old and was born in Fiji. He joined the British Army in 2002 and in 2003 he took up his post in 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. During a relatively short, yet busy career in the Army, Private Silibaravi had served in Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009. He has served in 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC and the Support Battalion, Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. He also completed public duties at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and the Tower of London in 2008. His enthusiasm and intelligence made him an ideal member of an Advanced Search Team.

Personal Life & Legacy

Section titled “Personal Life & Legacy”

A consummate sportsman, Private Silibaravi was a member of the Regimental Rugby Team and was a promising candidate for the Royal Logistic Corps Rugby Team. He was a fine runner and represented the Regiment at athletics.

Following his death, a memorial service was held in England, attended by his family and fellow soldiers. His body was later repatriated to Fiji, where he was laid to rest at the Military Cemetery at Reservoir Road.

In 2018, the Fijian High Commissioner visited Bicester Garrison to officially open a building named in Private Silibaravi’s honor, recognizing his service and sacrifice.

A popular Pioneer, Private Silibaravi leaves behind his brothers Saimoni, Kaveri, and Ratumeli, and sisters Mereoni, Salote, and extended family.

Further Reading & External Links

Section titled “Further Reading & External Links”

“For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”