Lance Corporal Karl Shearer, who died on 1 April, 2003, aged 24, was a professional and courageous soldier with a promising future ahead of him in the Household Cavalry.

Lance Corporal Shearer was killed when the Scimitar armoured vehicle in which he was travelling overturned during operations in southern Iraq. Lieutenant Alexander Tweedie later died from injuries received in the same accident.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark van der Lande said: "Karl was a popular and very able soldier whom I had recently promoted. He demonstrated the very best of what it is to be a soldier of the Household Cavalry and will be greatly missed."

Lance Corporal Shearer was a loving husband to Suzie with whom he had a three-year-old daughter, Lauren.

Lance Corporal Shearer, who was from Windsor in Berkshire, was on a mission to rescue another unit when the accident occurred. The tank slid down a bank and overturned in a canal, trapping Lance Corporal Shearer and Lt Tweedie inside.

At the Oxford inquest, coroner Selena Lynch recorded a verdict of accidental death while on active service.

Ms Lynch said: "We owe both of these men and their families thanks and gratitude for their having given their lives in active service for the benefit of us all."

Lance Corporal Shearer's wife, Suzie, said: "Karl was out there doing his job and what he wanted to do. I don't think this accident could have been prevented."

He was given a full military funeral on 23 April, 2003, at the Holy Trinity and Garrison Church in Windsor. The band of the Blues and Royals was accompanied by some 200 members of the Regiment who marched from Combermere Barracks to the church.

It is a testament to the popularity of Lance Corporal Shearer that so many of his colleagues, many of whom had cut short their Easter holidays, were present at his funeral.

Lance Corporal Shearer's death was the second fatality in the Regiment in nearly as many days following the death of Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull on 28 March, 2003.

Lt Col van der Lande said: "They were brave, courageous men who died doing their duty serving their country under very difficult conditions. They and their comrades in D Squadron have been heavily involved on operations in Iraq showing outstanding courage, determination and professionalism to defeat the enemy."

Lance Corporal Shearer's wife Suzie paid tribute to her husband saying: "Karl was a very loving, supportive husband and father. He was a wonderful son and brother. He was loved very much and will be missed terribly."

Having recently been promoted, Lance Corporal Shearer, who was an efficient, conscientious and professional soldier, undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him in the British Army.

With his death, Lance Corporal Shearer's Regiment lost a popular comrade and his family, a much loved and cherished husband, father, son and brother.

His wife said: "Myself and Lauren will always be very proud of him and will never ever forget him."