Tributes have been paid to a soldier from Hermon who was killed during the MOD’s latest offensive in Afghanistan, Operation Moshtarak.

Twenty-five year old Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh, serving with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed instantly, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Saturday, February 13th.

His section was providing safe passage for a patrol near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province.

Lance Sgt Greenhalgh’s father, Steve, of Cardigan’s Castle Cafe, and his wife April have received many messages of sympathy.

Mr Greenhalgh said: “I am proud to be Dave’s dad. Dave was special. He was my mate, he inspired me and brought light into my life and I loved him.

“I know he touched many in the same way. We were brothers in Christ and I look forward to seeing him again. His memory will live on in my heart until that day. I will miss you Dave.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his condolences to his relatives and friends. He said he was “very brave, very courageous” and died “making the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Lance Sgt Greenhalgh died protecting his men, said his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker.

“He was a tough soldier and a natural commander, a decent and honest man, and a friend to those he knew. He loved the Queen’s Company, he was a proud Grenadier, and he was a most loyal solider to his country.

“He was a young fighting man in his prime, taken from this world in an instant on a dusty road in southern Afghanistan. He leaves a lasting impression on us all,” he said.

Lt Col Walker added that his death was a tragedy for his comrades and his family. “Our prayers and thoughts go out to them at this terribly difficult time. They can be proud of him, we will never forget him,” he added.

Captain of The Queen’s Company, Major Alex Cartwright said Lance Sgt Greenhalgh “had a great presence” who was always raising the spirits of those in his company.

“Those that were fortunate enough to spend time with Lance Sgt were immediately struck by his strong will and passion for life.

“On leave, his love of diving, his farm and his family and friends meant that he never rested. Such a passionate man and gifted soldier who contributed so much, leaves countless memories. Out thoughts are with those memories and with his family,” he added.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: "Lance Sergeant Dave Greenhalgh was an outstanding young man who will be remembered with the deepest honour and respect. The thoughts and prayers of the whole community will be with his family at this time."

Originally from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, Dave Greenhalgh moved to north Pembrokeshire with his family in 2000. He joined the Army in 2001 and had served on operations in Bosnia and Iraq, as well as training in the Falkland Islands and Kenya.

He was hailed a hero by fellow soldiers in Iraq in 2006 after taking part in a rescue operation under constant fire when a colleague was seriously injured.

The flag at Cardigan’s Guildhall is flying at half mast this week.

*Steve Greenhalgh and fellow local musicians set up the band Whisky Business at the end of last year to raise cash to help injured troops returning from Afghanistan. Their CD, called Together we Stand, is currently in production.

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