Lance Corporal Tom Keogh died on 7 March, 2010, after being shot in Afghanistan.

The soldier was a member of 4th Battalion The Rifles and was killed at Patrol Base Bariolai in Sangin, Helmand province.

Lance Corporal Keogh was born on 25 August, 1985. He was from Paddington in London and leaves behind his parents and two brothers.

He originally enlisted in 2003, serving until 2008, including a tour in Iraq. After a year's break, he rejoined in 2009. Immediately upon rejoining, he was posted to the Reconnaissance Platoon, 4 RIFLES.

His parents, Lawrence and Marion Keogh, said: "Tom was our eldest son and we all loved and admired him greatly. He loved the Army life and lived his life to the full. He brought laughter and happiness to our home and all who knew him.

"Our family has been left devastated by Tom's tragic death, but not a day will pass without us remembering the happiness and pride he gave us. We love you Tom."

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Jones, Commanding Officer of 4 RIFLES, said: “It is sometimes tempting to get carried away in extolling the virtues of the fallen, but with Lance Corporal Tom Keogh there is no danger of drifting towards exaggeration. He was quite simply one of the very best soldiers in the battalion and proves yet again the sad adage that it is the best that die young.