The British soldier shot dead in Afghanistan on Tuesday has been named as 26-year-old Lance Corporal Liam Tasker from Kirkcaldy.
His family paid tribute to a “larger than life” young man. In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence the family said, “There are three words that best describe Liam larger than life.
“He lit up every room he walked into with his cheeky smile. He was the best son, grandson, brother and friend you could ever wish to meet.
“He died a hero doing a job he was immensely passionate about. We are so proud of him and everything he’s achieved. Words can’t describe how sorely he will be missed.”
He leaves behind girlfriend Leah Walters, who said, “LT never met anyone without touching their lives in some way. The amount of support both I and his family have received in the last day alone pays testament to this.
“I am the proudest girlfriend there could ever be and there will be an LT-sized hole in my life forever. Sleep well, my darling, my soulmate, my best friend.”
Lance Corporal Tasker was serving with The Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, as an arms explosive search handler.
He was on patrol with his dog Theo in the Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province when he was fatally injured by small arms fire. Theo also died following the attack.
His death brings the total number of UK military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 358.
Lance Corporal Tasker joined the army in 2001 as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, but his passion for dogs led to a transfer to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2007.
He was praised for his success at locating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weapons and bomb-making equipment in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, Commanding Officer 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, said, “It is a challenge to put into words what Lance Corporal Tasker meant to those he worked with.
“His ability to command whilst maintaining his sense of humour had already marked him out as one to watch. His loss has hurt every single one of us.
“He will be missed. He will not be forgotten.”