Corporal Lee Fitzsimmons, from Peterborough, was one of two SAS soldiers killed when a Puma helicopter crashed in Iraq on 20 November, 2007. He was 26.

The other soldier killed in the accident was Sergeant John Battersby also of the SAS. Their identities were kept secret until a court order was lifted on 29 July, 2008.

His mother Jacqui Auty said: "The last few months have been absolute hell. Inside, I still can't believe that it has happened and that I'll never see or hold Lee again.

"It is of some small comfort knowing that he loved his job, knew the risks, and wouldn't have had it any other way."

Cpl Fitzsimmons joined the Royal Marines in 1999 aged 17. He saw active service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

He was also survived by a sister and brother and his long-term girlfriend Michelle.

A joint tribute from friends and family said Lee was "never one to shirk a difficult task, and his times overseas tested him and his comrades alike".

It continued: "He believed in what he and his colleagues were doing and the positive impacts their role had for the people in both countries.

"Nobody wants to die at such a young age, but Lee knew the risks, and he wouldn't have shied away from doing his duty for his country alongside his fellow soldiers.

"We are all devastated at the thought of never seeing him again or hearing his cheerful laughter. The only thing that keeps us going is our pride in Lee, in what he achieved, and ultimately, in the price he paid.

"His larger than life personality lit up the room when he entered. He is our hero and he is missed in a way we could never put into words."