Second Lieutenant Ralph Johnson, who died on 1 August, 2006, aged 24, was a courageous young officer who always led from the front.

2nd Lt Johnson, a member of the Household Cavalry Regiment, was killed in Helmand Province when the Spartan armoured reconnaissance vehicle in which he was travelling was attacked by Taliban insurgents firing rocket propelled grenades.

Two other British servicemen were killed in the attack.

South African-born 2nd Lt Johnson, who lived in Windsor, had only been in the Army for a year but during that time had proved himself a capable, professional and utterly dependable leader of men.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Smyth-Osbourne, paid tribute to the young officer. He said: "He was brave, determined and thoroughly loyal to his soldiers and superiors."

Ralph Johnson was born in South Africa on 1 January, 1982. He was educated at St Stithians College where 2nd Lt Johnson, an extremely gifted athlete, excelled as a member of the rowing team.

A close school-friend, Tim Gane, remembered 2nd Lt Johnson's tenacious spirit and toughness. He said: "Incredibly intelligent and incredibly fit, Ralph loved testing his mental and physical limits, and no doubt, the army was the one place where he could excel at both."

After attending Stellenbosch University, he followed his lifetime's dream and joined the British Army, enlisting in the Life Guards in 2005. He soon established himself as an outstanding prospect.

Lt Col Smyth-Osbourne said: "He excelled in training and quickly won the respect of the men who in turn showed absolute faith in his decisions and leadership."

Despite being deployed to Helmand province, one of the most volatile and dangerous parts of the world, 2nd Lt Johnson maintained his composure and proved himself an outstanding troop leader, completely devoted to the men serving beneath him.

Lt Col Smyth-Osbourne said: "His innate energy enamoured him to all; particularly endearing was his devotion to his men and the time and effort he committed to them prior to their deployment."

Brave and resourceful, 2nd Lt Johnson was an exemplary officer and it was entirely typical that he died leading from the front.

Lt Col Smythe-Osborne added: "It was obvious to all that he adored his time in the Army. In Afghanistan he displayed real composure and huge professional competence in a novel, harsh and unforgiving environment."

His family in South Africa were "absolutely devastated" at the news of their son's death in Afghanistan.

His father, Roger Johnson, paid tribute to his son saying: "He was an outstanding officer, he believed implicitly in what he was doing. This is something he always wanted to do."

Enthusiastic and quick-witted, 2nd Lt Johnson was a gifted soldier, a natural leader who was liked and admired by the troops he led and respected by his superior officers. Undoubtedly, he had a bright military career ahead of him.

Lt Col Smyth-Osbourne concluded: "With his death the Household Cavalry Regiment has suffered the loss of an exemplary young officer and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."