British soldier John Rigby was serving in Iraq alongside his twin brother when he died on 22 June, 2007 - his 24th birthday.

Corporal Rigby, who was due to be promoted to sergeant later this year, was on patrol in Basra, southern Iraq, with 4th Battalion, The Rifles when he was fatally injured by a roadside bomb.

Described as “the most promising Corporal of his generation” he had a gift for working in a theatre of war. He had served with the Australian commandos, but it was in Iraq where he grew and earned praise from high ranking colleagues.

On 22 June, 2007, Cpl Rigby of B Company sustained life-threatening injuries following a roadside bomb explosion, close to Basra Palace. He was treated for his injuries at a local field hospital, but died later in the day, with his brother, Will, by his side.

Cpl John Rigby, who lived in Rye, was born on 22 June, 1983 and was a keen follower of both sport and music. He played drums for his band ‘The Motion’ and followed Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur.

Another hobby was archaeology, which he learned about from his grandfather, a museum curator.

Colleagues praised him for his “intelligent leadership” which meant he was “trusted and valued” by others whilst out on patrol.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders, Commanding Officer to Cpl Rigby said: “The death of any soldier is a tragedy and in death all are equal, but there are some whose loss is particularly hard to bear – the force of their personality, their personal and professional qualities and the love, respect and popularity they inspire set them apart. Corporal John Rigby was such a man."

He went on: “John was an exceptional man in every respect. A Battalion is a large organisation, but John was one of the strongest and most distinctive characters in 4 Rifles. He was known and universally admired from top to bottom, and even those who did not know him soon learned to speak his name with respect. Although as a Section Commander in B Company he commanded only eight Riflemen, his influence and fame extended the depth and breadth of the 700 men in 4 Rifles. He was iconic.

“John was also a remarkable man. He had a dignity, modesty and maturity that went way beyond his years. He was calm, highly intelligent, thoughtful, had a smile that lit up a room and a wicked sense of humour. I admired him immensely and liked him from the first time I met him several years ago – he had a nobility of spirit and an almost serene aura about him that drew one to him.”

His Company Commander, Major Wakelin, paid tribute by saying: “Corporal Rigby, John, was quite simply unique. He was a free thinking, independent and bright young Corporal who approached life with vigour.

“Life was out there for the taking for Corporal Rigby and he was going to get all that he could from it. Professionally he stood out. His style of soldiering was not only about professionalism and getting the basics right, although he did.

“His approach was more human and his relationship with his men, and his love for them, defined him. He has blistered his way through the ranks and was recently awarded with early promotion to Sergeant.

“He was involved with everything and at the heart of B Company. He was the epitome of the thinking Rifleman and no operation or command would escape his scrutiny or the benefit of his fresh ideas. It is typical of him that he died protecting his Riflemen. ‘His lads’ were saved from injury by their vehicle as he selflessly provided top cover from the vehicle hatch.”

Cpl Rigby’s family released a statement that read: “John was a cherished and devoted son and brother; a talented hardworking and successful soldier, popular with his peers and across all ranks alike.

Cpl Rigby becomes the 153rd member of the British Armed Forces to die since operations began in Iraq in 2003.