Corporal Simon 'Si' Hornby, aged 29, died from wounds sustained in an explosion in Afghanistan on 19 December 2009.

He had deployed to Afghanistan as a Section Commander with Arnhem Company, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment as part of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Battle Group.

Corporal Hornby was stationed in Patrol Base Shamal Storrai and, being the most senior of the Non-Commissioned Officers present, administered the patrol base for his Platoon Commander.

Holly Hornby, Simon's wife, said: "I am devastated by the loss of Simon. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing the job he loved. He was my hero."

The Ministry of Defence also paid tribute, saying in a statement: "He thrived in this challenging role whilst also commanding his Section with tenacity and a gritty determination. Always leading by strong example he was also able to see the funnier side of life during any downtime.

"Cpl Hornby, known almost universally as 'Si', was a popular, friendly, sociable and selfless man. He loved life and was a passionate Liverpool FC fan.

"He had a bright future ahead of him and after the tour he was due to instruct in a Recruit Training establishment – a role in which he would have excelled."

Corporal Hornby was born on 13 November 1980 in Liverpool where he grew up and attended Halewood Comprehensive School.

On joining the Army in September 2000, he completed Basic Training and joined his local Regiment, The 1st Battalion The Kings Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Boyd, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said: "Corporal Hornby was one of the most courageous men in my Battalion. He was a professional and a highly respected leader of my soldiers.

"Always happy, always chirpy, he - as did we - lived for his sense of fun, humour and his infectious zest for life; now so sadly taken from him and us.

"He loved his wife, he loved the Army and his Regiment, and he loved his football team; Liverpool FC."

As a young non-commissioned officer he had served bravely on operations with Chindit Company and Arnhem Company in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He had already demonstrated the courage needed to lead Lions of the North West in battle. As a Lance Corporal, he was awarded a commendation for services in Iraq for discovering an Improvised Explosive Device and for spoiling an insurgent ambush. In Afghanistan, he had won over the full confidence of Officer Commanding Arnhem Company, as well as his soldiers, and had stepped up to effectively act as a Platoon Sergeant, taking on the administrative challenge.