Captain Jim Philippson, who died on 11 June, 2006, aged 29, was serving with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse artillery.

He was the first British soldier to be killed in action in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Tributes poured in for the popular, charismatic soldier. Colleagues described him as a gifted and highly skilled officer with tremendous potential who would always go the extra mile.

The regiment will remember him as a genuine character full of life and humour, respected by all for his sharp intellect and calming presence.

Cpt Philippson truly wanted to make a difference and demonstrated his ambition and total professionalism as part of the team mentoring the Afghan Army. A natural leader with superb communication skills, his Afghan colleagues warmed to his relaxed style, positivity and enthusiasm.

Cpt Philippson came from St Albans in Hertfordshire. He joined the Army in January, 2001, after studying for a degree at Plymouth University. He completed his training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery at the end of 2001.

His talent was spotted during his Young Officers' course at the Artillery Centre, Larkhill, and Cpt Philippson was selected to join 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

In addition to exercises in Norway, USA and Cyprus, Cpt Philippson served in Iraq with 29 Commando Regiment, and spent six months in the Falkland Islands.

In February, 2006, he moved to 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery based at Colchester, Essex, and prepared for deployment to Afghanistan.

Once there, he was awarded the responsibility of training and mentoring the Afghan National Army.

On 11 June, 2006, Cpt Philippson was taking part in a patrol in Helmand Province, when a fire fight broke out against suspected Taliban forces. Cpt Philippson was killed in the attack, which also injured two other soldiers.

His family set up the Captain James Philippson Trust Fund in his memory that funds beneficiaries and charities he would have supported.

His friend and colleagues paid tribute to Cpt Philippson at his funeral: "He was a loyal son, a caring boyfriend, a great support to many friends as well as a popular, caring and inspirational officer. Jim was ambitious, lively and sociable as well as being philosophical.

"He firmly believed that life was not a rehearsal and that every day should be lived to the full, as such Jim always challenged himself and made the most of situations – he tried to learn to play the guitar on the journey out to Iraq in 2003 and more recently was trying to read the Bible from cover to cover. He was a man his friends loved to be around, thriving off his energy and obvious zest for life."

His Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond added: "Jim was a top quality officer in the best traditions of the Regiment and the British Army. Those around him were influenced not only by his commitment, passion and drive but also his enthusiasm and ready wit. A gifted commander he had the self-confidence of an assured professional yet was also modest and willing to learn.

"All of this earned him the respect of all those he touched. The commitment he showed to his task in Afghanistan and every challenge he undertook was an inspiration. He was a rising star in every sense who had a huge amount to offer."