Captain Alex Eida, who died on 1 August, 2006, aged 29, was a professional and diligent officer who was "universally admired" by his colleagues.

Cpt Eida, a member of 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, was killed when the Spartan armoured reconnaissance vehicle in which he was travelling was attacked by Taliban insurgents with rocket propelled grenades in northern Helmand Province.

Two other British servicemen - Lance Corporal Ross Nicholls and Second Lieutenant Ralph Johnson - were killed in the attack.

Originally from Coulsdon in Surrey, Cpt Eida had been in the Army for five years during which time he had also served in Iraq and Kosovo, earning a reputation as a calm and dependable leader of men.

Major Matt Crisp, second in command of 7 Para, said: "He was a man with style and charisma yet not a hint of arrogance or over confidence - always prepared to go the extra mile for his soldiers, colleagues and friends who willingly did the same for him."

Alex Eida was born in Surrey on 1 January, 1977, the only son of Derek and Jenny Eida. He had two sisters – Tamsyn and Bryony.

He joined the Territorial Army while studying for a degree in Technology Business Studies at the University of Glamorgan.

Cpt Eida had a passion for travel and adventure and after graduation worked as an instructor at Camp America and as a ski rep and instructor in France.

Returning to Britain he enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in April, 2002, taking his Young Officers' course at the Artillery Centre, Larkhill.

The MoD said: "Though extremely easygoing and self-effacing, he always displayed real enthusiasm and passion for his work, on the sports field, during adventure training and socially."

During training, Cpt Eida's determination, commitment and high level of fitness marked him out as an outstanding prospect and ensured his selection for an arduous appointment with 7 Para which he joined in October, 2002.

He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Telic and to Kosovo in 2004 in a demanding covert surveillance role. During both of these challenging tours, Cpt Eida enhanced his reputation as a courageous officer who was always prepared to lead from the front.

Major Crisp added: "His maturity, professionalism and light yet authoritative command approach, combined with a sharp sense of humour and fun, inspired those around him."

In Afghanistan, Cpt Eida served as a Forward Observation Officer where his technical expertise, calm and diligence ensured the respect of all those around him.

An MoD statement said: "Capt Eida completed his whole Regular service with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and within it he proved himself in the most demanding circumstances whilst maintaining his honour, focus, professionalism and balance."

Cpt Eida was deeply committed to his vocation and carried out all of his duties with an air of self-assured professionalism. He was liked and respected by his troops and superior officers alike.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond, said: "His infectious enthusiasm earned him the respect of all those that knew him. We have lost a gifted young officer and friend who was a leading light of the unit and will be sadly missed."