The family of a soldier who was fatally injured in a car crash in Belgium on his way home to Medway have described him as “Chatham’s hero”.

Ashley Coleman, a private in the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), which is stationed in Germany, died on March 16.

The 24-year-old, of Hillside Road, Chatham, was described as a “gentle giant” by his fiancée Laura Tullett. The pair had been together for five years and were due to get married in August.

Miss Tullett, 23, said: “He was 6ft 3in and he was lovely to everyone. Everyone always said he was lovely and helpful. He loved his niece and nephew and absolutely doted on them.”

Pte Coleman has an older brother, Daniel, and a younger sister, Tiann.

Miss Tullett added: “Daniel and Ashley did everything together. They were best friends. They were always there for each other – even when Ashley was in Germany.”

Pte Coleman’s dad, Terry, said he did not know his son wanted to join the Army until he received a phone call from him telling him he had passed his entry test.

'He's my hero, he's Chatham's hero. There wasn't a bad bone in his body' - Terry Coleman

“He just rang me and said ‘I’ve passed’,” he said. “Ashley went to Catterick and made me proud. My boy turned into a man.

“At his passing out parade in May 2014 he was awarded best endeavour.

“He’s my hero, he’s Chatham’s hero. There wasn’t a bad bone in his body. Everybody loved him.”

Pte Coleman was stationed in Germany and served three tours in Canada. He was due to go to Cyprus in 2019.

Mr Coleman said one of his fondest memories of his son was when he set a toilet roll alight when he was a child.

“He blew it out and but it back into a pack of 12 but he did own up to it after two fire engines came round and I blamed his sister. He had one of those faces that you couldn’t tell off,” he said.

Miss Tullett said: “We have lots of memories. He had his whole life in front of him and so much to look forward to. He will be missed greatly and forever remembered for being himself.”

Pte Coleman’s regiment paid tribute to him on Facebook which included a message from his Commanding Officer.

It said: “Private Ashley Coleman was a true Tiger. Fiercely loyal, utterly courageous, eternally positive and relentlessly cheerful, he was the heart and soul of his platoon.

“He epitomised all that makes the British soldier the envy of the world, and I am proud to have served alongside him.

“He will be sorely missed across the battalion and our thoughts and prayers go out to Ashley’s family and fiancée. We will remember him.”

An inquest into Pte Coleman’s death was opened and adjourned at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone on Friday. The cause of his death was given as multiple injuries. A full hearing is due to take place on June 26.