British soldier Sean Birchall, from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, died in an explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan on 19 June, 2009.

Major Birchall's death takes the number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 169.

His wife Joanna paid tribute, saying that the 33-year-old was a loving father to 18-month-old son Charlie and a "wonderful husband".

She said: ""Sean was a wonderful husband, a doting father and a much-loved son and brother, who cared deeply for his family and friends.

"He has been described as 'devilishly fit, stylish and energetic' and he was so very proud to be a Guards Officer.

"He was also thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a newly-formed Company in Afghanistan and despite spending such a short time with his Guardsmen, he was utterly devoted to them. He would want them to continue with courage and commitment and to come home safely when the job is done.

"It is the excellence he achieved in every facet of his life that defined Sean. An athlete, an adventurer and an instinctive leader, he was an inspiration to all who knew him."

Maj Birchall was born in South Africa, moved to the UK as a baby and grew up in Guildford, Surrey. He was educated at St Peter’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Guildford, and later at Plymouth University, where he was a member of the Exeter University Officer Training Corps. having his Army training at Sandhurst.

He served as a Platoon Commander both on ceremonial duties in London and on exercise in the jungle of Belize. After a stint as the Regimental Signals Officer he returned to the Belizean jungle in charge of jungle warfare training. Following Staff College in 2006-2007 he worked in the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, but was brought back from that job early to command the newly formed IX Company in Afghanistan.

An MoD statement said: "Under Maj Birchall’s inspired leadership the Company distinguished itself on this operation and subsequently Basharan became part of the Company’s 'patch'. IX Company was therefore responsible, together with the Afghan Security Forces, for protecting the people of Basharan and helping them to develop their village.

"He was a highly capable officer, and excelled at all he did. He was devoted to the men under his command, and they had enormous respect for him. He had a very bright future ahead of him in the Army. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thornloe, Maj Birchall’s Commanding Officer, said: "The Battle Group has been stunned and saddened by the tragic death of Major Sean Birchall, OC Number IX Company, following an Improvised Explosive Device strike near Basharan on Friday.

"Sean had all the qualities of the outstanding professional soldier – fitness, coolness under pressure, and tactical flair. His character was defined by his tremendous and infectious enthusiasm - I do not think he had a negative bone in his body.

"From the very beginning it was clear that Sean was going to be a marvellous Welsh Guards Officer – his professionalism and competence were matched only by his generosity of spirit and his commitment to the welfare of the Guardsmen.

"Those under his command greatly admired his military competence and his legendary physical fitness and they warmed to his cheerful, upbeat manner. Sean always led from the front and his soldiers would have followed him anywhere."

He died on a routine patrol near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

He was leading a routine patrol to deliver supplies and check on his men in the check points around Basharan. As the patrol of three armoured vehicles made its way from one check point to another an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated.