Corporal Lee Churcher of the 20th Armoured Brigade was found dead at an army base in Iraq on 11 December 2008.

The 32-year-old was found having suffered a gunshot wound. He was given medical assistance but declared dead at the scene.

Cpl Churcher was an experienced soldier who joined the army in 1994 and after his initial posting with 42 Engineer Regiment quickly rose through the ranks. His specialist skills included geography, IT and communications and his postings reflected this.

He joined 20th Armoured Brigade, known as the Iron Fist, in September 2007 and became an integral figure at their HQ in Sennelager, Germany, mentoring units with enthusiasm and dedication.

In November 2008 the brigade deployed to Iraq for a six month tour where Cpl Churcher was involved in surveillance and reconnaissance. After returning from Iraq he planned to transfer to the RAF to continue his work in his specialist fields.

In his spare time he was a keen rugby player and cricketer, with sports memorabilia and trophies decorating the walls of his room at his barracks in Germany. He had two children and would take any opportunity to proudly show photographs of them to his friends and work colleagues.

20th Armoured Brigade's Chief of Staff, Major Chris Bell OBE, paid tribute to him: "Corporal Churcher was held in great affection by those who knew him in the headquarters. He had a relaxed confidence and had risen to the challenges of working within a vital team and delivering a key capability to this operational theatre. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, particularly his two young children to whom he was very close."

Cpl James Williams RLC, a friend and colleague, said: “When I arrived at my new post I was greeted by Lee's friendly, smiling face. I looked up to him – he was a larger-than-life personality who I felt comfortable to be around.”