by Gerry Warren

The Canterbury-based soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on New Year's Day has been named as 24-year-old Pte Joseva Vatubua.

He was on patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand Province when he was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device placed in the wall of a compound.

The Fijian-born soldier, who was known as "big Joe" to his friends, was serving with B Company of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders based at Howe Barracks.

He was lived in Canterbury and was married to Claudette. He also played rugby for the Army Sevens and sung in the Battalion's Fijian choir.

A family spokesman said: "We cannot put into words how proud we are of Joseva. He loved his job and he loved being in the family of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

"Joseva was a hugely loved man who we will always miss but never forget."

His commanding officer, Lt Col Adam Griffiths said: "The Argylls 5 Scots have lost a loyal, well-loved and respected soldier. Pte Vatubua appoached everything he did with an infectious sense of humour and a commitment that much of society would do well to emulate.

"However, his outwardly shy persona belied a real presence at both work and play and particularly on the rugby field.

"The Royal Regiment of Scotland has a tradition of producing courageous, resilient, tenacious and tough infantry soldiers of world renown - Big Joe was this and more.

"An operationally experienced soldier, he died serving alongside his fellow Argylls in a role that he relished. Fearless in battle, while empathetic to the predicament of Afghanistan and the local nationals living around his patrol base, he was at his best on operations, demonstrating a real awareness and understanding of what he was being asked to do.

"It was always a wonderful sight to see this mountain of a man surrounded by children when on patrol."

He added: "Pte Joseva Vatubua was a strong and brave young soldier who died doing a job he loved. We have a lost a truly marvellous young man and the thoughts and prayers of the Argylls, and the wider Royal Regiment of Scotland, are with his family and loved ones at this tragic and difficult time."