A soldier shot dead as he defended a checkpoint in Afghanistan was today named as Guardsman Jamie Shadrake of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The soldier, who had just turned 20, was killed on Friday when insurgents launched an attack in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.
The guardsman, of the Reconnaissance Platoon, was brought up in Wrexham and leaves his parents, Cathryn and Philip, brothers Carl, Kieran and Shane, and sister Kerry-Anne.
Guardsman Shadrake's death takes to 425 the number of British forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died while serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.
His devastated family issued a statement paying tribute to him.
They said: "Jamie was a tremendous son and brother.
"He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job that he loved.
"We are all devastated by the loss of Jamie who was such a loving son and brother.
"We are very proud of the fact that Jamie was prepared to do his duty in helping the people of Afghanistan.
"Jamie lit up any room with his infectious smile.
"He will be sorely missed by so many who loved him."
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, said: "Guardsman Shadrake was an extraordinary young man.
"Bright, committed and imbued with boundless energy, his enthusiasm and lust for life were infectious.
"He was a talented soldier with a huge amount to offer and would have gone a long way in the Army.
"Indeed, he was determined to do so, not least in order to impress his elder brother who is a platoon sergeant in the battalion.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents and siblings at this extremely difficult time.
"Guardsman Shadrake's death is a bitter blow to the battalion and the regimental family more broadly.
"He will never be forgotten and we are determined to finish the mission that he so courageously helped to start."
Guardsman Shadrake's platoon commander, Captain Mike Dobbin, described the soldier as "a key ingredient" in his tight-knit unit.
"Losing both a soldier with so much potential and a man with such a personality has left a gaping hole in the platoon," he said.
The guardsman was a keen sportsman and also enjoyed kayaking and rifle shooting.
He joined the Army as a 17-year-old in 2009.
Upon completion of the Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, he moved to Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards, in London where he conducted public duties at the Royal Palaces and participated in state ceremonial tasks.
In April 2010 he moved to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Aldershot, joining his elder brother in The Queen's Company.
So competent was his performance on a training exercise in Canada in the summer of 2011, that he was placed into the battalion's elite Reconnaissance Platoon.
He subsequently completed Mission Specific Training and deployed with the Platoon to Afghanistan on his first operational tour.
Guardsman Shadrake's friend and colleague Guardsman Mark Knott said: "Jamie and I joined the battalion together and were put in the same room.
"What a mistake that was, as we spent many nights out together and they were some of the best ever.
"He was the greatest mate and I will miss him loads."
Guardsman Anthony Talbot added "Jamie was such fun to be around, always smiling and having a laugh.
"He was extremely confident and this shone through in everything he did. He was an excellent soldier and an even better person.
"Everyone who knew him will sorely miss him."
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guardsman Jamie Shadrake, a young soldier who was popular with his peers and commanders alike and had shown the greatest of promise for a successful Army career.
"He was committed to his job, which he conducted with pride and professionalism, and he died for his country, fighting to protect the United Kingdom's national security.
"My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Guardsman Shadrake's family and friends at this most difficult time."