A soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday has been named as Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft from Burnley.
He was with the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and was killed during a battle with insurgents in southern Nad-e Ali, Helmand.
Lance Corporal Bancroft deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010 as a Section Second-in-Command with 1 Platoon, Anzio Company, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.
On Saturday 21 August 2010, as part of the ongoing 'hold' and 'build' phase of Operation TOR SHEZADA in Sayedabad, central Helmand, Lance Corporal Bancroft's platoon was providing essential outer security in order for a shura to take place between ISAF troops and local village elders.
Sadly, during an exchange of fire with insurgents, Lance Corporal Bancroft was shot and killed in action.
Lance Corporal Bancroft, aged 25, was born in Burnley on 13 March 1985. He joined the Army in September 2001, initially carrying out his Phase 1 training at the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn, before finishing at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.
On completion of his training he was posted to 1st Battalion The Queen's Lancashire Regiment before its amalgamation on 1 July 2006. Throughout his time in the Army he served with distinction - this was his third operational tour, having deployed twice to Iraq on Op TELIC 2 and 11.
He was a highly professional and capable Junior Non-Commissioned Officer - one who relished life in the Army. He possessed loyalty 'in spades' and he had an absolute dedication to the regiment, to the battalion, to his company, and to the men he served with.
However, more importantly he will be long remembered for his love for his family and girlfriend - they held a special place in his life and were his first love.
Tragically killed doing the job that he loved and excelled at, he will leave a huge hole. He was the epitome of a Duke of Lancaster's soldier - diligent, selfless, caring and with a profound sense of duty.
He will be sorely missed by all members of the battalion as a comrade and as a much loved friend - there are few like him.
The family of Lance Corporal Bancroft have made the following statement: "We will always remember Jordan loving a challenge, in particular outdoor pursuits. He was a keen snow skier and often skied for the regiment.
"He loved all water sports and took any opportunity to ride a jet ski or drive a speed boat. We will miss Jordan so much and it will leave a huge hole in all our lives.
"You will always be in our hearts, Jordan - Mum, Dad, your brothers Paul and Leighton, your sister Toni, and your girlfriend Lauren."
Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, said: "Lance Corporal Bancroft was a true soldier, excelling during his time in Afghanistan - loyal, brave, compassionate and honest. He had a natural ability to lead from the front, his men instinctively looked to him for advice and direction."
Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence
"Lance Corporal Bancroft died doing the job he loved, whilst playing his part in improving security for the people of Afghanistan. He was one of the biggest characters within the regiment - an exceptional soldier and a very talented Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.
"Lance Corporal Bancroft was a true soldier, excelling during his time in Afghanistan - loyal, brave, compassionate and honest. He had a natural ability to lead from the front, his men instinctively looked to him for advice and direction.
"Ever cheerful, his humour was infectious - he possessed an unparalleled ability to work with a smile on his face. His potential was endless and he was due to attend a promotion course on his return from deployment, a course I know he would have 'aced'.
"The Army, his regiment, the battalion, and most importantly his mates meant the world to Lance Corporal Bancroft - he would do anything for them. But, he held his family and girlfriend above all else - they were his life.
"We mourn the loss of Lance Corporal Bancroft and we offer our deepest condolences to all of his family and his girlfriend, Lauren, in this dark time - our thoughts are with them. The battalion has lost one of its finest - a true 'Lion of England' and he will never be forgotten."
The British death toll in the Afghan campaign since 2001 now stands at 332.
The Duke of Lancaster's soldiers are on a six-month tour of duty which ends in October.
The regiment is made up of soldiers from across the North West, including East Lancashire
Kay, Norwich around 11 months, 2 weeks ago