Tributes to hero Daniel
A Black Country soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan was today hailed as a hero who saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but lost his own.
Guardsman Daniel Probyn, aged 22, from Tipton, was serving with 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards and had also undertaken two tours of duty in Iraq.
The West Bromwich Albion supporter died and four others were injured when their patrol came under attack in the town of Garmsir, Helmand Province, in the early hours of yesterday.
Platoon commander Lieutenant Andrew Tiernan said: "As is typical of the man, he warned his fellow soldiers of a potential threat just prior to the explosion that killed him, making them move away from his position in a selfless act which saved their lives."
He added: "He was quite simply the most outstanding soldier I have ever come across. He was a legend within the platoon.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his girlfriend Michelle, with whom he intended to spend the rest of his life."
The keen rugby player who joined the Army in 2003, was taking part in an operation to clear a Taliban-occupied compound on the outskirts of Garmsir.
British forces successfully engaged and destroyed a Taliban stronghold using artillery, mortars and small arms fire but as they cleared the enemy's positions they were hit by an explosion.
His company commander, Major Will Mace, said he was one of his "very best soldiers".
He said: "He was one of those men who always delivered a thousand times more than was asked of him.
"He was completely dedicated to his job and to the men around him."
Guardsman Probyn's fellow soldiers described him as "like a brother".
