His family issued a statement: "Lee was lovely. He would do anything for anybody, he always looked after his sisters and always protected them. He took a 'big brother' role with everyone.

"All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy, was be in the Army. He wanted to live life and enjoy himself. His family meant everything to him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle, and a friend to many. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time."

Warrant Officer Ned Miller said he was "one of the battalion's great characters always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood". His regimental colleague said he was easily identified by a characteristic smile, reflecting how "proud he was to be a member of the Drums. He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again".