Signaller Wayne Bland, from 16 Signal Regiment, was killed by a suicide attack while on patrol in Afghanistan on 11 August, 2008.

Two other soldiers from the same regiment were wounded when a suicide bomber rammed his car into the convoy on the outskirts of the capital, Kabul. They were familiarising themselves with a patrol route at the time. The attack also claimed the lives of three civilians and injured 12 others.

Signaller Bland was evacuated to a military hospital but died as a result of his wounds, making him the 115th British fatality in the troubled country since operations began there in 2001.

The twenty-one-year-old, known as 'Blandy', was from Leeds and was a passionate supporter of Leeds United and also enjoyed playing football himself, representing his regiment regularly.

He had been in Afghanistan for six months, helping the organisation of troops in the area. He had leave due in a few weeks at the time of his death. Previously in his army career he had been a driver and also trained as a medic.

His family issued a statement that said: "Wayne was a much-loved son, grandson, brother and uncle who served his country with distinction and sadly paid the ultimate price. He was our true hero."

His commanding officer with 16 Signal Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Justin Hodges, said: "Signaller Wayne Bland was a superb soldier, full of character and a highly popular member of the regiment. He joined from training in September 2006 and instantly fitted in.

"It was abundantly clear to everyone who met Wayne that his strength and personality marked him out for a bright future in the Army. His death is a huge tragedy, but he was a committed soldier who understood the risks and the importance of his work, as do his friends and every soldier in the regiment."

Major Neil Coatsworth said: "The physical grief demonstrated throughout the squadron when the terrible news broke bore testament to his popularity. Everybody knew Wayne, and we all knew him to be a fun-loving, occasionally mischievous individual, who always managed a smile no matter what the circumstances."