Aldershot Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

20 August 2012, 09:57 | Updated: 20 August 2012, 12:13

A soldier who died in Afghanistan has been named as Aldershot-based Jamie Shadrake of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

The soldier, who had just turned 20, was killed on Friday when insurgents attacked a checkpoint in Helmand Province.

The guardsman was brought up near Cardiff before his family moved to Wrexham last year.

He joined the army as a 17-year-old before moving to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Aldershot in April 2010, joining his elder brother in The Queen's Company.

He leaves his parents, Cathryn and Philip, brothers Carl, Kieran and Shane, and sister Kerry-Anne.

Guardsman Shadrake's death takes to 425 the number of British forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died while serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.

His devastated family issued a statement paying tribute to him; "Jamie was a tremendous son and brother. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job that he loved. 

"We are very proud of the fact that Jamie was prepared to do his duty in helping the people of Afghanistan. Jamie lit up any room with his infectious smile. He will be sorely missed by so many who loved him.''

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, said: "Guardsman Shadrake was an extraordinary young man. Bright, committed and imbued with boundless energy, his enthusiasm and lust for life were infectious. 

"He was a talented soldier with a huge amount to offer and would have gone a long way in the Army."