Tributes paid to Jamie Shadrake killed in Afghanistan

The guardsman has been described as a "tremendous son and brother" and "greatest mate"

Tributes have been paid to a soldier from Wales killed in Afghanistan three days after his 20th birthday.

Guardsman Jamie Shadrake's check point was attacked in Helmand province on Friday and he died from gunshot wounds, the Ministry of Defence said.

His commanding officer said he had a lust for life which was "infectious".

The soldier, who grew up near Cardiff before his family moved to Wrexham, was with the Reconnaissance Platoon, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Relatives described him as a "tremendous son and brother" while colleagues said they had lost the "greatest mate".

His older brother is a platoon sergeant in the battalion.

Guardsman Shadrake is survived by his parents, Cathryn and Philip Shadrake, and brothers Carl, Kieran and Shane and sister Kerry-Anne.

"Jamie was a tremendous son and brother. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job that he loved," a statement on behalf of the family read.

"We are all devastated by the loss of Jamie who was such a loving son and brother."

His commanding officer, Lt Col James Bowder MBE, said: "Guardsman Shadrake was an extraordinary young man.

"Bright, committed and imbued with boundless energy, his enthusiasm and lust for life were infectious."

Platoon sergeant Vandell McLean, from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said he was an "outstanding soldier" who was "on the door-step of becoming a junior non-commissioned officer".

"I could see him having an extremely successful career.

"I will always remember him as the bloke that would catch me off guard with his one-liners.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and particularly his older brother, a fellow sergeants' mess member."

Guardsman Thomas Yearley said he had "many great memories... of a great mate, a great soldier and a great wingman".

Mark Knott joined the battalion with Guardsman Shadrake and the pair shared a room.

"What a mistake that was, as we spent many nights out together and they were some of the best ever," he said.

Guardsman Anthony Talbot added: "He was extremely confident and this shone through in everything he did.

"He was an excellent soldier and an even better person. Everyone who knew him will sorely miss him," he added.

His death comes only weeks after the village of Llanharan mourned the loss of Craig Roderick, 22, of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

The former pupil of Pencoed Comprehensive School, in Bridgend, who joined the Army in 2009, had chatted to friends on Facebook the day before he was killed.