Afghanistan death soldier named

Trooper Jack Sadler, who was from Devon but had recently lived in London, died when his vehicle was caught in a blast in Helmand province on Tuesday.

Colleagues described the 21-year-old reservist, from the Honourable Artillery Company, as an intelligent and dedicated soldier with a keen wit.

Two UK soldiers travelling with him were hurt, but are expected to recover.

Trooper Sadler first joined the Honourable Artillery Company as a recruit in October 2005, and had hoped to join the regular army after his tour of Afghanistan.

'Resilient character'

The Ministry of Defence said he put everything into his training and proved himself to be a reliable individual during demanding tactical patrols and in the face of the enemy.

Captain Jim McCaffery, troop commander of 4/73 Special Observation Battery which Trooper Sadler joined in May, said: "He was always keen to be in the thick of the action and would not countenance being left behind.

"His dry wit and his resilient character will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said Trooper Sadler's dedication and bravery in volunteering for service in Afghanistan was in the highest traditions of the Army.

"He was clearly a very talented and promising young man and I am sure that his loss will be felt by all who knew him."

Trooper Sadler's death raises the toll of UK forces to 85 since operations began in October 2001, with 59 killed in combat.

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