A SOLDIER who was due to marry his fianc�e on return from Afghanistan was killed by an improvised explosive device on Valentine’s Day.

Lance Corporal Kyle Cleet Marshall, from Colchester-based 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, was killed in Helmand Province on Monday the Ministry of Defence has said.

LCpl Marshall, 23, was on an operation to improve security near the village of Padaka, in the Nahr-e Saraj district, when he was fatally wounded by a roadside bomb.

LCpl Marshall, who was originally from Newcastle but lived in Colchester, was killed in the blast at about 11.30am following a gun battle with insurgents.

He leaves behind his father Garry, his mother Olywn and his fianc�e, Hayley, whom he was due to marry after the tour.

A statement from LCpl Marshall’s family said: “Kyle was a very lively, outgoing, loving and much-loved son. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

“He was due to be married in July to his fianc�e, Hayley. We take comfort in the fact that he is now with his granddad who died some years ago.”

Major Nick Copperwaite, Officer Commanding B Company, 2 Para, said: “Lance Corporal Marshall was a seasoned professional on his second tour of Afghanistan. Always cheerful and enthusiastic, even in conditions of extreme adversity, he served as a fine example to the young soldiers in B Company.

“A natural leader, he was a resolute and determined man, full of courage and life; a true Paratrooper.

“We will all miss his constant smile, his ability to discover something positive in everything that he encountered and his level headed excellence as a soldier. He will stand tall and proud in the memories of those who fought alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Utrinque Paratus.”

Lance Corporal Adam Brand of 5 Platoon, B Company, 2 Para said: “A true friend, a true paratrooper, a true hero: Kyle Marshall - a man that could talk until the sun went down; always striving to be as airborne in battle as every paratrooper should be.

“You gave the ultimate sacrifice my friend; you will always remain in the heart and soul of the Parachute Regiment.

“Forever missed, never forgotten. See you on the other side mate.”