Tributes to Afghan death soldier

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James Christopher Thompson, 27, was on foot patrol in the Musa Qaleh area when he was caught up in an explosion.

His family, from Whitley Bay, Northumberland, have been trying to come to terms with their loss.

His parents Alan and Hilary said James' death had come as a "devastating loss" but that he had made them proud.

His commanding officer praised him as a "professional and reliable soldier who excelled in all he did".

The family's tribute, released by the Ministry of Defence said: "James Thompson was a loving son, brother and friend to many. His tragic and untimely death has devastated the family and touched all those who knew him. James was proud to be a soldier - he died doing the job that he loved and will be sadly missed by all."

His Commanding Officer said: "James Thompson was a special individual. A professional and reliable soldier in every respect - we were all privileged to serve alongside James who excelled in all that he did. His death has come as a great shock and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. Our thoughts are of course with his family, at this most difficult time."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of James Thompson in Afghanistan on May 19 2008.

"He was patrolling on foot as part of operations in the Musa Qaleh area when he was caught in an explosion and tragically lost his life."

James' body has been flown home and his funeral took place at St Mary the Virgin church in Monkseaton. Mourners collected donations for the Headley Court armed forces rehabilitation centre near Epsom in Surrey.