The 2nd Bn Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is based at Weeton Barracks, Lancashire, near Blackpool.

Lt Col Rob Singleton, commander of the battalion, described L/Cpl Hetherington as "a superb soldier and a first class leader".

He said: "Utterly professional and talented, he was full of character, fun and his enthusiasm was infectious. The battalion has lost a huge talent and a real character. He will be missed dearly and we will never forget him. Our hearts go out to his parents, his siblings, his girlfriend and his young daughter. They are in all of our thoughts.”

The last British soldier to die in Iraq was Private Ryan Wrathall eight years ago. The 21-year-old from Surbiton, Surrey killed himself at a base in Basra in February 2009.