Britain names soldier killed in Afghanistan

LONDON, May 27 (Reuters) The British soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named as Guardsman Daniel Probyn, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The 22-year-old Probyn -- from the 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards -- died early yesterday during a mission to clear a Taliban occupied compound on the outskirts of Garmsir, in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.

Probyn, who was a keen rugby player and West Bromwich Albion fan, joined the Army in 2003 and had previously served in Iraq.

Four other soldiers were wounded during the mission, when a British force destroyed a Taliban stronghold with artillery, mortar and small arms fire and then began clearing Taliban positions when the explosion occurred.

''Guardsman Probyn was a larger than life character both on and off duty, and was a dependable and loyal friend to all who knew him,'' said Lieutenant Colonel AGC Hatherley, commanding officer, 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards.

''He excelled as a soldier, whether in tunic and bearskin or combats, and was held in the highest regard by all who served alongside him.'' An investigation is under way into what caused the explosion.

Britain has sent thousands of troops to Helmand province in southern Afghanistan as part of a NATO peacekeeping force. They have seen heavy combat.

REUTERS SG RK1820