Newlywed Gurkha as Afghan last victim

Rifleman Suraj Gurung, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, died when an insurgent detonated himself during a patrol in Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who was raised in a Nepalese hill town, was only recently married to his wife, Permila, and earned himself the nickname "netboy" for time he spent contacting her on the internet at night.

Major David Jones, Officer Commanding C Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "Rifleman Suraj was everything that the man who killed him was not. He was brave, courageous, considerate, compassionate and kind.

"He truly believed in the job that he was doing and took immense pride in the fact that he was helping people less fortunate than himself every single day.

"A cracking soldier, respected by all, he had unflinchingly led his multiple down some of the most daunting alleyways and across some of the most haunting ground, every single day for the last six months.

"He was one of the very best of his generation and almost certainly destined for promotion."

His devastated family said in a statement: "He was a very caring son and loving husband.

"He followed his forefathers' footsteps as both his grandfather and father served with the British in India, and his father-in-law served in the British Army.

"He loved the Army and was very proud to be a Gurkha, and died doing a job he loved. His family members are very proud of him."

Rifleman Gurung was a radio operator and as "vallon man" he led his fellow men out on patrol, checking the path for bombs.

Major Khusiman Gurung, Gurkha Major, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "A dark cloud has been cast over us all by the tragic loss of Rifleman Suraj Gurung.

"His life was taken in a cowardly act whilst he was carrying out an important role for the security and development of Afghanistan."