A former British soldier killed in a suicide bomb attack while working as a bodyguard in Afghanistan had married just three months earlier.

Ronnie Jessiman, who had served with 5 Scots, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, had settled in Canterbury with partner Natalie and the couple had wed in August.

Natalie, a hairdresser at Toni and Guy in the city centre, had regularly updated her Facebook account since the big day with pictures of their nuptials at a sun-kissed Mexican resort.

But just 10 days after the last picture was posted, Mr Jessiman died when a Taliban bomber slammed a car, laden with explosives, into his vehicle.

“A true gent of a man, a very close friend, a husband, a brother and a son, loved by many, was taken from us” - Jason Cunningham

The 33-year-old, who was working for private security firm G4S, was travelling in a convoy between Jalalabad and the capital Kabul when it was ambushed by the bomber last Thursday, November 27.

The bomber’s Toyota Corolla car exploded, blowing Mr Jessiman’s British embassy vehicle across the road and ripping off its roof.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Jessiman, who lived with Natalie in Waters Edge, a new development off Sturry Road.

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier, a former reservist, told the Gazette: “Ronnie Jessiman served his country with the Argylls and made his home in Canterbury.

“It’s very sad that he’s now been killed as a civilian bodyguard.

“Each time I’ve been to troublespots I’ve noticed that these people have done a really outstanding job.

“They’re always ex-Army and they’re an important part of the diplomatic effort.”

Friends also paid their respects on social networking sites.

Jason Cunningham wrote on Facebook: “A true gent of a man, a very close friend, a husband, a brother and a son, loved by many, was taken from us.”

He added: “I hope and pray that one day I will see him again, he is a loss to this world as well as his beloved family his beautiful wife who I all hold close to my heart also and I know appreciate all the kind words being said at this sad time.”

Paul Kerr wrote on Twitter: “The best man I ever knew. Miss you bro.”

Before joining the security firm, Mr Jessiman had been a section commander in 5 Scots Fire Support Group, which had been based at Howe Barracks in Littlebourne Road.

Speaking to Scotland’s Daily Record newspaper, an Army source said: “Ronnie was an experienced soldier and really knew his stuff.

“It’s just a tragedy. After he left the army, he worked in close protection – his role at the time he died. He had years of experience with 5 Scots which he was putting to good use in Afghanistan.

“It just shows you that no matter how good your skills and drills are, sometimes your luck just runs out.”

Foreign secretary Phillip Hammond confirmed that two British embassy workers died in the convoy attack.

An Afghan national working at the embassy was also killed in the blast.

Mr Hammond added: “I condemn this appalling attack on innocent civilians supporting our diplomatic activity.

“The families of the victims have been informed and my thoughts are with them.

“The Foreign Office will do everything it can to support them.”

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