Killed British soldier 'superb'

L/Cpl Hill was killed near Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan

A British soldier killed in a blast near the main UK military base in Afghanistan on Thursday has been named as Lance Corporal James Hill.

The 23-year-old from 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards, died in an explosion near Camp Bastion in central Helmand.

His parents, of Redhill in Surrey, said he was the "finest son", while his commanding officer called him "superb".

The total number of UK troops killed since the start of operations in October 2001 has now reached 221.

'Outstanding qualities'

L/Cpl Hill's parents Brian and Claire said: "James was the finest son we could have possibly asked for, we are immensely proud of who he is and all that he has done.

Most recent UK fatalities

Total deaths 2009: 99

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Updated: Dec 03 2009

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"James was immensely caring and always there for us and everyone who needed him, spending time with family and friends was what meant the most to him."

His fiancee, Anastasia Newman, said he touched the lives of everyone he met.

She said: "James is and always will be the love of my life and I feel so grateful to have had the time I had with him. He will live on forever in my heart and memories until we are together again."

His commanding officer, Lt Col Toby Gray said he was "a soldier with the most outstanding qualities".

He said: "He was a ray of light for the future of the Mortar Platoon with his skills, current experience and thirst for knowledge, and it is a tragedy that he has been taken from us so early in his life.

"L/Cpl Hill was, quite simply, superb at everything he did. He was personable, intelligent, fit and ambitious. His humour, coupled with his energy, singled him out as a popular and respected junior non-commissioned officer."

He was a big inspiration to us all and will be missed badly and will never be forgotten L/Cpl Matthew Cutting New brigade takes over in Helmand

He was the second UK serviceman to be killed this month in explosions close to Camp Bastion.

Acting Corporal Marcin Wojtak, of the Royal Air Force Regiment and from Leicester, died on 1 October.

L/Cpl Matthew Cutting said his colleague L/Cpl Hill, of Redhill, always found time for his friends.

He said: "I will never forget all the great times I had with him, from the insane times skydiving in France to having a beer with him and all the mortar boys.

"He was a big inspiration to us all and will be missed badly and will never be forgotten."

The latest deaths came as new commander Brigadier James Cowan and a smaller brigade took over UK military operations in Afghanistan after the bloodiest tour since the mission began.

The 19 Light Brigade was replaced by 11 Light Brigade after the former lost 70 men during six months of fighting the Taliban.