Dead British soldier named by MoD

Rifleman Bassett's comrades said he wanted to take his fair share of risk

A British soldier who died in hospital on Sunday a week after an explosion in Afghanistan has been named as Rifleman Samuel Bassett, from Plymouth, Devon.

The 20-year-old, of 1 Platoon, 4th Battalion The Rifles, was serving as part of the 3 Rifles Battle Group.

He was injured by a bomb near Sangin, in northern Helmand province.

His platoon was conducting a routine patrol of the area to reassure the local population and comrades paid tribute to his dedication.

The Ministry of Defence said Rifleman Bassett completed his training in May and was deployed to Afghanistan last month.

As well as his mother, Coline, Rifleman Bassett leaves behind his father Simon and 18-year-old brother Jack.

Mrs Bassett, said: "Samuel was not only my son, but Samuel and his brother Jack are my best friends.

"Samuel was a real character, always the joker. He will be so, so missed and loved forever - our proud little soldier."

Lt Col Nick Kitson, commanding officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: "The loss of a Rifleman brimming with so much joie de vivre and potential is a painful blow.

He was a good bloke, an awesome bloke to have in our section Rifleman Tom Spencer Soldiers' bodies are flown home

"A man who steps up time and again to clear such dangerous ground for his friends to pass safely is truly one to be honoured.

"The thoughts of the battle group are firmly with his battalion, his friends and above all his family and loved ones."

Lt Col Rupert Jones, Commanding Officer 4 RIFLES, said: "He regularly volunteered to lead his section, clearing the ground for others to follow.

"There is no lonelier job and it takes real character and courage, but Rifleman Bassett showed that he had these traits in spades."

Rifleman Bassett's comrades also paid tribute to him.

L/Cpl Craig Knight described him as "shining" while out in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Tom Spencer said: "Sam Bassett was brilliant at his job over here, really professional and dedicated to his task.

"He was a good bloke, an awesome bloke to have in our section. He had the mentality of work hard play hard, that every Rifleman should have. I am very proud to have been a Rifleman alongside him."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth MP, said: "The death of Rifleman Samuel Bassett came as very sad news to me.

"I hope it comes as some consolation to his family that he died doing a job he was dedicated to and loved but my deepest sympathies are, of course, with them at this painful time."