The body of a Denbighshire soldier is repatriated
The body of a 23-year-old Denbighshire soldier killed in Afghanistan on Friday has been flown back to the UK.
L/Cpl Alan Cochran originally from St Asaph, Denbighshire, who was a member of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, died during a gun battle with the Taliban in Helmand Province.
He died along with Cpl Terry Webster, from Chester.
Their bodies were repatriated to RAF Lyneham, along with marine Anthony Hotine, 21, of 40 Commando.
L/Cpl Cochran enlisted in 2006 and had previously served in Northern Ireland and in Iraq.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defenece, L/Cpl Cochran's mother Shirley Jane Cochran described the soldier as "a tremendous son".
"He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved," she said.
"We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grandson and brother.
"We are proud of the fact that Alan was prepared to do his duty helping the people of Afghanistan."
His fiancee, Claire Brookshaw, said: "He has been a great part of my life and always will be. Sadly missed but never forgotten."
Speaking after the death was confirmed, Commanding Officer Lt Col Andrew Hadfield said L/Cpl Cochran had recently been promoted and had willingly taken responsibility for the lives of his fellow men.
He said: "A committed career soldier, Alan loved the Army and his friends within it, and was probably the most selfless of men, always looking out for others and helping them to give their best.
"His friends described him as having a heart of gold, being totally unselfish, and having the worst dress sense in the battalion."