MoD names latest Afghanistan dead

A British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named as the funeral of a second soldier killed earlier this month takes place.

Father-of-one Lance Corporal James "Jimmy" Johnson, from B Company 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was on patrol in the Lashkar Gar area as part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol when he was killed by an anti-personnel mine.

The 31-year-old's father, Lawrence Johnson, said: "I am very proud of my son for being a soldier. It was his life. He always wanted to be in the Army since he was a small boy. He loved it."

James's fiancee, Bernadette Broadley said: "He was my best friend and my fiance. I am very, very proud of him being a brave soldier. I want him to be remembered for who and what he was."

Lt Col David Richmond, Jimmy's Commanding Officer, said: "LCpl Johnson has made the ultimate sacrifice; a superb soldier and junior commander he died doing the job he loved, among men who held him in the highest regard.

"My thoughts and sympathies and those of all ranks of the Battalion are with LCpl Johnson's fiancee Bernadette, his daughter Shannon and his family. He will be deeply mourned, but never forgotten."

His death took the number of British troops killed since US-led forces invaded Afghanistan to 110.

Meanwhile, another soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan was remembered today as an 'inspiration' to others.

Lance Corporal James Bateman died while on a routine patrol in Helmand Province earlier this month.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects in Colchester in Essex.

His family said he'll always be remembered as a loving husband - who fought fiercely for his country.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.