The body of a British Army engineer who was killed by a Taliban roadside bomb while working alongside special forces in Afghanistan is due to fly into RAF Lyneham today.

A private service will be held at the base's chapel for Corporal Matthew Thomas, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, before the cortege passes through Wootton Bassett at about 3pm.

Hundreds are expected to line the town's High Street in tribute, as has become custom. The soldier died when the vehicle he was driving was hit by an improvised explosive device in the Garmsir district of Helmand province on September 25.

It is understood that Cpl Thomas, known as "Tommo", was attached to the Special Forces Support Group. His comrades paid tribute to an "intelligent, dedicated and courageous" soldier.

A spokesman for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers said: "Though still a young man, he was a natural leader setting the highest standards, showing enormous moral strength, and nurturing those under his command at every turn.

"His ready smile, natural exuberance and 'can do' attitude were much prized by all with whom he worked, and were testament to how he loved his profession. He revelled in the responsibility, challenges and opportunities presented to him as a vehicle mechanic on operations in Afghanistan.

"And for their part, the troops whom he supported so ably wholeheartedly embraced 'Tommo', as he was fondly called. He died alongside these comrades, with whom such a bond had been built and who meant so much to him. His passing is a sad day for us but we must count ourselves privileged to have served with such a talented, rounded and inspirational man."

The MoD said it was not releasing any more details about the soldier.

The Special Forces Support Group, which was set up in April 2006, is largely made up of personnel from the Parachute Regiment, the Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment. Its main role is to provide direct support for UK special forces missions, but it is also involved in domestic counter-terrorism operations. A total of 338 British troops have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001.