Sergeant Mark Stansfield, who died on 21 September, 2007, from injuries sustained in Iraq a few days before, was due to be a father for the first time.

Sgt Stansfield, aged 32, was serving with 32 Close Support Squadron, UK Logistic Battalion, when he was involved in an accident with a forklift truck during security checks at the Contingency Operating Base at Basra Air Station.

First aid was administered immediately and he was taken to the Field Hospital where he underwent surgery. He was flown back to Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham the following day for further treatment but his condition deteriorated afterwards. His family were with him at his bedside when he died.

Sgt Stansfield was born in 1974 and joined the Army at the age of 17, training to become a driver. He had served in the Balkans, Northern Ireland and Iraq. He had been in Basra for nearly four months. He was only one day away from going on leave.

He lived in Oxfordshire and had been married to Joanne since Christmas. The couple were expecting their first child.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Roberts, said: "He was a first class soldier … with an extremely bright career ahead of him. He was admired by the soldiers he led and respected by everyone.

"Mark was utterly committed and loyal to the soldiers he served as Troop Sergeant. He consistently ensured their readiness for operations in Iraq and was a mentor and guide through the very challenging and dangerous situations they faced.

"He never shied from responsibility and was always keen to be in the thick of the action, never expecting anyone to do something he would not do himself. He was a strong and effective leader who soldiers willingly followed."

His Squadron Commander in Iraq, Major Dave Poole, said the squadron would "all miss Stan" who was "a diligent man, who never accepted second best.

"He was also kind, warm and generous, with a smile that would light the room and lift the mood, whatever the circumstances. Private and devoted to his new wife, he was a fantastic role model to my young soldiers and officers alike."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was deeply sorry to learn about the loss of Sergeant Stansfield, a hugely brave, dedicated and ambitious soldier who will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."