Guardsman' Jamie Shadrake's body repatriated to the UK

The body of Guardsman Jamie Shadrake arrives back at RAF Brize Norton

The body of a Welsh serviceman killed in Afghanistan has been flown to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

Guardsman Jamie Shadrake, 20, of the Reconnaissance Platoon, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed on Friday.

He grew up in the Llanharan area of south Wales before moving to Wrexham.

Two other soldiers repatriated were Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman, from Bristol, and Lance Corporal Matthew Smith of the Corps of Royal Engineers, from Aldershot, Hampshire.

A private ceremony was held on the base for the families. The cortege left the base later on its way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The cortege was escorted at walking pace past the memorial garden in Carterton, where the Union Flag hung at half-mast and members of the public gathered.

Guardsman Jamie Shadrake was one of three servicemen killed in action repatriated on Tuesday

Guardsman Shadrake was killed during an attack in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province days after his 20th birthday.

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

His family said: "He was a proud to be a soldier and died doing a job that he loved."

In a statement issued at the time of his death they said they were "devastated by the loss of Jamie, who was such a loving son and brother".

"We are very proud of the fact that Jamie was prepared to do his duty in helping the people of Afghanistan," they added.

In all 425 British forces personnel and Ministry of Defence civilians have died serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.