A WOMAN is being comforted by her family in Kent following the death of her soldier husband in Iraq last week.

Corporal Matthew Cornish, 29, of 1st Battalion The Light Infantry died on Tuesday, August 1, as a result of wounds sustained in a mortar attack in Basra.

His wife Abby, 28, and children Ethan, three, and Libby, 15 months, have returned to Folkestone from their home in Germany to be with their family.

Cpl Cornish sustained serious injuries from the explosion and was evacuated by helicopter to the Field Hospital at Shaibah Logistics Base where he subsequently died from his injuries.

His death occurred just a few weeks after his third tour of duty in Iraq was due to end.

Mrs Cornish faced the heartbreaking task of telling the couple's son Ethan that his father wasn't coming home. "I have tried to explain but I don't think he really understands what exactly has happened," she said.

Cpl Cornish was serving in Iraq with The Light Infantry, normally based in Paderborn, Germany. He was an ‘anti-tanker’, trained in the MILAN weapon system.

Army colleagues have paid tribute to him. His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Bowron said: "Matthew was a great soldier, a fine friend and a marvellous husband and father. He will be remembered for his heart and his great character."

"His wife Abby, daughter Libby, and son Ethan, were what lay closest to his heart. The rest was irrelevant. He spoke of them often, and loved them dearly."