Body of soldier flown home

The body of a Black Country soldier who was killed fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan has been flown back to Britain.

Daniel Probyn's coffin was draped in a Union Jack and flanked by soldiers. Guardsman Probyn, who was from Tipton and had family in Brierley Hill, was killed by an explosion last Saturday. The 22-year-old was serving with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

The tragedy happened during an offensive operation to clear a Taliban stronghold on the outskirts of the town of Garmsir, in southern Helmand.

The Grenadier Guardsmen were serving with the Queen's Royal Hussar Battle Group in Camp Abu Naji, about 120 miles north of Basra.

The former Tividale High School pupil will be buried with full military honours at Christ Church, in High Street, Quarry Bank, on a date yet to be arranged.

After engaging and destroying the Taliban stronghold with combined artillery, mortar and small arms fire, the company had begun to clear the Taliban positions when there was an explosion, resulting in five casualties who were taken to a safe location, while under fire from the Taliban.

Bravery

A medical team pronounced Guardsman Probyn dead at the scene.

The keen rugby player and West Bromwich Albion fan had been commended for his outstanding bravery in Iraq for dragging an injured comrade to safety during a mortar attack.

His company commander Major Will Mace described Guardsman Probyn as "without question one of the very best soldiers in the Company", adding: "He was consummately professional in everything he did, he was one of those men who always delivered a thousands times more than was asked of him."

"He was completely dedicated to his job and to the men around him.

"Guardsman Probyn was not only a great soldier but also a great character. His family and girlfriend have our deepest sympathies."