LANCE Bombardier Matthew Hatton had previously completed tours of duty in Iraq and Cyprus and having completed training for Afghanistan was deployed with 2 Rifles Battle Group in March of this year as an observation post assistant with the fire support team.

His job was essentially to spot the Taliban and then direct the fire from missiles, mortars, aircraft and attack helicopters on to the enemy.

An Army spokesman said: “The role of an observation post assistant is a demanding one and requires a special breed of soldier. The job requires initiative, foresight, composure under extreme pressure, clarity of thought, physical and mental robustness and tactical awareness.

“L Bombardier Hatton epitomised these qualities and possessed an enthusiasm for his work which was clear for all to see. He was often to be found in his room at night reading his operational procedures cribs in order to better understand the technical aspects of his profession – much to the amusement of his friends in the battery – or in the gym working hard on his fitness in order to ensure that he would be ready in all respects when the time came.”

L Bombardier Hatton began his career as a battlefield meteorological system operator, responsible for providing the meteorological data that a light gun requires in order to fire accurately. But because of his desire to be in the thick of the action he applied for a posting with the fire support team.

The spokesman said the York soldier was “exceptional” at his job and that he had hoped to attempt the arduous patrols course, which was “further testament to the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction he derived from soldiering, and soldiering well”.