Corporal becomes 50th soldier to lose life in Afghanistan

Cpl Bonner was engaged and had been looking forward to buying a home in Great Yarmouth after his tour of duty in the conflict zone, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The 31-year-old, nicknamed "Big Daz", from Gorleston, Norfolk, was killed on Monday when an explosion hit a British convoy in the Gereshk region of Helmand Province.

Scroll down for more...

He was the lead signaller serving with A (Norfolk) Company Group, 1 R Anglian Battlegroup and was described as a "larger than life figure".

His death brings the toll of fatalities among British Forces personnel in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 to 57.

Of these, 34 were killed in action - including two who died as a result of injuries sustained in action - while 23 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents.

Cpl Bonner, an avid Spurs fan, had been in the Army for 14 years and previously served in Northern Ireland and the Balkans.

In 2004 he moved across to the 1st Battalion and served as a key member of the Signals Platoon in Iraq in 2006.

The devout Christian was a keen weightlifter and worked as a nightclub doorman in his spare time, according to the MoD.

The night before his death he was said by friends to have been reading the Bible. His company commander, Major Dominic Biddick, described him as an "incredibly caring and compassionate man".

He said: "Behind the tattoos and the muscle lay a man with huge emotional intelligence, who provided a real father figure to many of the younger soldiers in A Company.

"It is tragic to see the life of a devout Christian taken in this fateful manner, to see fate being so cruel to a dedicated young man who was genuinely striving to make a difference.

"Darren will never be forgotten by those of us that soldiered with him. His death is a tragic loss, but one that strengthens our resolve and our determination to succeed."

Fellow signaller Sgt Stuart Rumsey said: "Corporal Daz Bonner was the life and soul of the company. Professionally talented, no task was beyond his determination to succeed."

Another signaller, Corporal Wayne Cole, described the soldier as "a colourful character, larger than life and an even bigger friend".

Private Craig Mavin said: "Daz will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to serve with him."

Commanding Officer of 1 R Anglian, Lt Col Stuart Carver, commended him as a "superb soldier" with genuine compassion for his fellow men.

He said: "A larger than life character, he has been a mainstay of the battalion for many years and will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues.

"Our sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Bonner at this very difficult time.

"By all accounts, he was a determined and highly professional soldier who looked after those around him. His loss will only strengthen the resolve of our forces to continue their efforts to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan."