Tributes to hero soldier

A guardsman from the Black Country killed in Afghanistan was today described by his comrades as an “amazing soldier”.

Daniel Probyn was involved in an attack on a compound with fellow members of the Grenadier Guards when he was caught in a huge explosion last year.

His colleagues today gave evidence at his inquest, held at Dudley Coroner’s Court today.

A verdict of unlawful killing in the cause of military service was given by Black Country coroner Robin Balmain.

Lance Corporal Nicholas Davis and Guardsman Scott Blaney, who were both injured in the blast addressed the inquest. 

Guardsman Blaney, who described himself as a very good friend of Guardsman Probyn, told the court: “He was an amazing soldier. You knew he had always got your back and he was not scared of anybody.”

The 22-year-old soldier, of Tipton, was killed in an explosion in the town of Garmsir, Helmand Province in May last year. 

Guardsman Probyn’s parents Michael and Ann and his girlfriend Michelle attended today’s hearing, where they heard Sergeant Scott Ruffley describe how the platoon had planned an attack on a Taliban compound known as Three Farms.

He told how soldiers blasted into the compound and were crawling in a line when there was a “huge boom”. 

Sergeant Ruffley said his Platoon Commander Andrew Tiernan had shouted to him about a body lying underneath him. 

He said: “When I started to remove the rubble I realised he was wearing a British helmet. When I recognised his tattoos I knew it was Daniel.”

Guardsman Probyn, who was originally from Tipton but whose family now live in Hawbush Road, Brierley Hill, had previously been commended for his bravery on one of two tours of duty in Iraq.