WE spoke to Ashley David Smith a few days before he left for Afghanistan. Three weeks later, he was dead; another life lost to a cause which many question.

Trooper Smith had no doubts; he knew summer would be a dangerous time because of the poppy harvest and the elections, but his loyalty and sense of duty was unfaltering. He told us “We’ll just have a laugh with each other; the best thing is to work as a team and make it easier for everyone else. If you’re having a bad day, there’s always someone who will build you up again.”

His parents have had a bad day every day for two weeks since they lost their son, so we hope that in receiving his medals and the Elizabeth Cross, which is awarded to families of those killed in action, they can find at least some degree of solace. Trooper Smith is a true hero and his heartbroken family couldn’t be more proud of him. Nor could we.