Corporal Damian Lawrence Repatriation Ceremony

The repatriation ceremony of Corporal Damian Lawrence, 2 Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, has taken place at RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire.

Cpl Lawrence (25) died on Sunday 17 February while taking part in a joint night patrol with the Afghan National Army near Kajaki. He was involved in clearing a compound when an explosive devise detonated and he was fatally wounded.

Cpl Lawrence was born in Scarborough and his family still lives in the Whitby area of Yorkshire. In his military career, Cpl Lawrence had served with distinction in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and twice previously in Afghanistan.

Lt Col Simon Downey said: "Every way you consider him, Corporal Lawrence was outstanding ... he was a loving partner and a doting father to his daughter Jessica ... and to his battalion, a great comrade and accomplished soldier."

Known as 'Damo' to his friends, Cpl Lawrence has been described as a "special soldier", "deeply professional" and "irreplaceable".

His father, Steven Crabtree, said: "Damian was the best son any father could wish for ...I am so proud of the way he went though his life and what he achieved." His mum, Alison Lawrence, added: "I am proud as his mother to say that he died doing what he loved."