THE body of the Swindon-born soldier killed in Afghanistan was repatriated yesterday.

The body of Corporal Michael Thacker, 27, from 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welch Fusiliers) arrived at RAF Brize Norton yesterday afternoon along with the body of Private Gregg Thomas Stone from 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment who died a few days later.

Cpl Thacker, who was born in Swindon, was manning an observation post in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province when his patrol came under attack from small arms fire, the Ministry of Defence said.

The father-of-one had previously served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cpl Thacker’s wife Catherine said: “Michael was the love of my life. He was an amazing husband and father who will always be remembered as a funny, loving and kind man.

“Everyone who met Mike instantly liked him and, through time, came to love him.”

The MoD said Cpl Thacker, who lived with his wife and daughter in Coventry, was part of his battalion’s fire support group. The unit was manning an observation post in the war zone when they came under attack.

Major Charlie Carver, Officer Commanding A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, said Cpl Thacker would be remembered as a highly professional soldier who took enormous pride in his ability as a Fire Support Group Section Commander.

He said: “He was always to be found at the centre of the action, with his defined sense of humour and his unique outlook on life.

“Throughout the tour Corporal Thacker demonstrated courage and resolve working in a very difficult location, leading his men in trying circumstances.

“Whenever I visited the FSG he was always at the centre of the group, ensuring morale was high, with an infectious smile that lightened any mood.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 Keith Mills, Company Sergeant Major, A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, said: “As a soldier his abilities were second to none. He was highly respected as a soldier and could be trusted to deliver time and time again.

“The Royal Welsh has tragically lost a brave, outstanding ‘Royal Welshman’ and I will miss his infectious smile.”