Corporal Lee Brownson from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died in the blast from an improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand province on Friday 15th January.

Cpl Brownson was survived by his wife Leeanne, two daughters Ginalee and Morgan and his unborn child.

The explosion also claimed the life of fellow soldier, Rifleman Luke Farmer , also from 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

Lee Brownson was born in Bishop Auckland on 15 September 1979. He went to King James the First Comprehensive School before enlisting in the Army in 1996.

He trained at Winchester and the Catterick, and was posted to the Second Battalion, the Light Infantry based at the time in Palace Barracks, Northern Ireland.

During his time in the army Corporal Brownson had also served in Sierra Leone, Cyprus, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

He completed the Platoon Serjeants Battle Course in Brecon in March 2009 gaining the highest possible grade.

He assumed the role of section commander with 2 Platoon, A Company 3 RIFLES and it was in this role that he deployed on Op HERRICK 11.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES BG said: "Corporal Lee Brownson was the very best of Riflemen, brimming with energy, cheer, modesty and resourcefulness. Such was his self confidence and inner strength that nothing was too much trouble for him in understanding and caring for the needs of those around him. Whether for his beloved wife and daughters at home or for his brothers in arms here in Afghanistan, his first priority was to take care of others.

"His loss leaves a gaping hole but we shall close ranks and continue the fight, a fight at the forefront of which he was always to be found. We honour his brave sacrifice, saluting his commitment and example.

"He played a massive part in our work out here, proving himself in combat on countless occasions and giving untold strength to his men through tough times. With spirit and compassion in equally copious measure, he was a beacon of inspiration to us all.

"He was a leader in every sense; commanding the respect not only of those who worked for him, but also of those for whom he worked. Representing the bright future of the army and his loss is a heavy burden to bear.

"There will be no shortage of Riflemen willing to share stories of his life with his children in the years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We know that they will draw strength, as do we, from the finest of examples he set in life."

Major Tim Harris, Officer Commanding A Company said: "Corporal Brownson was truly phenomenal. He was loved by his men: they all wanted to be just like him, their hero. He was kind and caring, taking new arrivals under his wing and giving them courage during the darkest of hours.

"He was outstandingly brave: if there was a fight to be had he was always at the front. On one occasion, like the all-action hero he was, he was hit by a piece of shrapnel in his shoulder, but refused medical treatment, dealing with it in the morning once the enemy had gone.

"What I loved most about ‘Browny' was the mischievous twinkle in his eyes: I always suspected he was up to something but like all the best loveable rogues I could never quite pin anything on him. He was a consummate professional, as proved by his award of a distinction on the elite Platoon Serjeants' Battle Course: he was ready for promotion and I am convinced that he could have done the Platoon Serjeant job standing on his head."

And Lieutenant Palmer Winstanley, Officer Commanding 2 Platoon said: "Words cannot begin to tell you what kind of a man Corporal Lee Brownson was. One of the most inspiring men I have had the honour of serving with. He was relaxed but efficient, friendly but ruthless when needed, but his best asset was his ability to inspire all those around him to do better. His men looked up to him for leadership, friendship and inspiration.

"He loved his job. He would sit for hours coming up with ‘out of the box' plans to catch the insurgents out. He applied 100% of his energy to serving his men. I will never forget his bravery when a sentry position collapsed during a battle with the insurgents.

"The two lads in the sentry position were buried outside the compound, so without thinking twice for his own safety, Browny leapt out of the base without his helmet and body armour under heavy enemy fire (from only 100m away) to recover the two men to safety. He was a truly brave and compassionate man."