Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper of 3 RIFLES killed in Afghanistan

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper from 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

Lance Corporal Cooper died from wounds received as a result of an explosion near Sangin, in Helmand province, during the morning of 24 January 2010.

Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, 3 RIFLES

Daniel Cooper was born in Hereford on 10 March 1988. He went to Whitecross High School before enlisting and going to the Army Training Regiment in Bassingbourn in 2005 for his phase one training. He received phase two training at ITC Catterick and joined 2 LI in Edinburgh in 2006.

Lance Corporal Cooper deployed with A Company 3 RIFLES to Afghanistan in October 2009 and was operating in southern Sangin. Following the injury to his section Second In Command he was promoted to LCpl in the field on 21 December 2009 and stepped up to fill this role.

On 24 January 2010, he was leading a resupply patrol when an improvised explosive device detonated critically injuring him. He later died of his wounds.

Lance Corporal Cooper's parents, Karl and Caroline Cooper said:

"A caring son, brother and partner. He was not just a brother but a best friend who will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Daniel, we were proud to be your parents from the day you were born."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:

"Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper was one of the great characters of the Battalion; his sense of humour and zest for life were topped only by his ability and determination. The consummate soldier, he was the complete package; fit, bright and dedicated to his work. Ever cheerful and irrepressibly positive, he shone as an example to the more junior Riflemen on how to act and what to aim for.

"Lance Corporal Cooper was cruelly taken from us while doing the job he loved. He had survived numerous brushes with danger in this tough fight alongside colleagues and mates who respected, trusted and loved him. The loss of a Rifleman brimming with such talent and potential leaves a real gap in the Battle Group for the here and now and in this his Battalion for the longer term.

"The thoughts and prayers of this whole Battle Group go out to his family and loved ones. We know that they, like us, will take comfort from fond memories of a man who truly loved life and made every second of it count. We shall continue with the noble task for which he laid down his life, steeled by his unhesitating sacrifice and in the certain knowledge that this is what he would expect of us.

"A proud son of Herefordshire, he will be sorely missed by us all."