Private Joe Whittaker, a Territorial Army reservist serving with the 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed by a mine in Afghanistan on 24 June, 2008. He was 20.

The 20-year-old, who was attached to the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was involved in a search for explosive devices in the Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand - he stepped out of his vehicle and was killed by what was described by the Ministry of Defence as an "improvised explosive device".

A senior Para, Sergeant Major Michael Williams , was also killed during a firefight against the Taliban in the area on the same day. Their deaths brought the total number of British fatalities in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 108. Eleven military personnel from various regiments died in action in Afghanistan during June 2008 alone, five of whom were fellow paratroopers.

Pte Whittaker was born on the 11 January, 1988. He attended Warwick School and then Stratford Upon Avon College. He was extremely fit, playing hockey for Stratford Hockey Club and running for Stratford Athletic Club.

He joined the TA in Stratford in 2005 and completed his training in 2007. He volunteered for service in Afghanistan shortly after and was mobilised with

Joe's mother, Naomi Whittaker, said: "Joe was a truly wonderful son. He was generous, funny, brave and loyal to his friends. He was doing what he wanted to do and he was immensely proud to wear his 'maroon beret'.

"He has wanted to be in the Army since joining the School Cadets at the age of 13. He chose to undertake a tour of duty as a private soldier with the Parachute Regiment before going to RMA Sandhurst next spring. He hoped to join the Army Air Corps eventually.

"Joe lived life to the full. He loved his family and friends and was loved by everyone who knew him. His sister Kate and I will miss him more than words can express. We are so proud of him, his courage and his determination to serve his country."

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Baldwin, said: “Joe had that infectious optimism that goes with all young paratroopers. Forthright and courageous, he showed great spirit and committed himself wholeheartedly in any task given to him. Afghanistan was his first operational tour and he showed no fear. In fact, Joe relished the chance to be out on the ground and prove himself to his more experienced comrades.

“Joe Whittaker died a paratrooper. Even at such a young age he displayed all of the attributes specific to men of The Parachute Regiment and we are proud to have known him and stood alongside him. Today, a good soul has left us, and he will be greatly missed. We, his brothers who are left, will never forget him.”

Defence Secretary Des Browne said Pte Whittaker and Sgt Maj Williams both "died in the most heroic of circumstances".