Yorkshire soldier killed in Afghanistan blast

Rifleman Sheldon Steel, 20, of Leeds, served with the 5th Battalion The Rifles.

The Ministry of Defence said he died after an explosion in Babaji in the Lashkah Gah district on Sunday.

His family last night told of their devastation. In a statement, they said: “Sheldon was loving, caring and affectionate with his family and we all heard from him regularly.

“He loved being in the Army from when he was in the Army Cadets to joining 5 Rifles.”

The tribute from his mother Victoria, brother Kameron, and sisters Cody and Carys, added: “He had a good sense of humour and frequently joked with us all.

“He was a big lad – all 6ft 4in of him – with a big heart.

“Words cannot explain how much he will be missed by us all.”

The Ministry of Defence said Rifleman Steel, who joined the Army two years ago, developed into “a skilled, robust and intelligent soldier” during his training and was an excellent marksman.

Rifleman Steel’s officers said he was recognised by his comrades as the best soldier in his company.

It was known within the battalion as “the Delta Dogs” and Rifleman Steel had recently been voted “Top Dog” of them all. His battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, said: “As a club within a club, the Delta Dogs “have a particularly special identity in our battalion and Rifleman Steel was immensely proud of that identity.

“And so he should have been, because he was, and will remain until next year, the Top Dog – winner of D Company’s annual competition to find their best Rifleman.”

The commanding officer said he won the nickname in the last few weeks before deploying to Afghanistan in an “arduous and hard-fought contest”.

“He was a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness and natural leadership flair.”

Major Matt Baker, officer commanding D Company, said: “He excelled at everything he did. A proud Yorkshireman, he was forthright and independent, a real thinking Rifleman.”

Lance Corporal Luke Addyman said he was “born to be a soldier”.

He added: “It was a great honour to know him and a privilege to call him a friend. Losing him has hurt us all within the platoon as he was loved by all as a brother.”