HAXBY soldier Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton who was killed in a bomb blast while on patrol in Afghanistan was “one of the best” according to comrades.

The 23-year-old died on Thursday in the Sangin area of Helmand Province while on foot patrol. He was injured in an initial blast and while trying to make it to the helicopter landing site was caught in a second blast and was killed. Two other soldiers, Daniel Wild, 19, from Hartlepool, and Captain Mark Hale, were also killed in that second blast trying to rescue him.

Matthew’s family – mum Jill, father Philip and sisters Vicky and Becky – today paid tribute to him. They said: “Matt always wanted to be a soldier from being very young. He passionately enjoyed his job and often talked fondly about his colleagues and friends. He was very brave and a credit to both us and the Army. We are really proud of him as our son, as a brother and as a soldier. Matt loved all his family dearly. He was full of fun, mischief and always brought happiness to our days. With a huge heart he touched many lives and will be missed by everyone and remembered forever.”

L Bombardier Hatton joined the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery in January 2004 and was deployed with 2 Rifles Battle Group in March of this year as an observation post assistant.

Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, commanding officer 2 Rifles Battle Group, said the former Easingwold School pupil had helped save the lives of his comrades.

He said: “L Bombardier Hatton was one of an enviably effervescent bunch of Gunners who have made a mark in all corners of the 2 Rifles Battle Group. I got to know L Bombardier Hatton because we always seemed to be on the same helicopter. He was a master of his art and has dug my Riflemen out of some very hairy moments and I am hugely grateful. He has saved lives, undoubtedly so. I have been struck as I have walked round my battle group today by how proud people are to have known ‘Hatts’ and I count myself firmly in that number of very privileged men and women.”