Kingsman Jamie Hancock, 19, from Wigan, died after coming under fire while on guard at a base in central Basra on Monday. Jamie, whose brother is a serving soldier, was sent to Iraq as part of an advance party with The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment - its first posting there since being formed in July.
His devastated family spoke of their shock, but said they will always be proud of him, and what he achieved.
Senior officers paid tribute to him as an "outstanding soldier".
Kingsman Hancock is the second soldier from the Greater Manchester area to die during the Iraq conflict. It brings the number of British forces personnel killed since the start of hostilities to 121.
Rifleman
He joined the Army at the age of 18, and began his career at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. After completing the Combat Infantryman's Course a year ago, he was posted to The Queen's Lancashire Regiment, serving as a rifleman.
Early in June, he was posted to the 1st Battalion, the King's Regiment, having volunteered for a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.
In July, the regiment amalgamated into The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, and he had four months high-intensity training before going out to Iraq.
A Ministry of Defence statement praised his professionalism and pride in being a soldier, and as a man others could look up to.
"His platoon will remember him fondly as an outgoing, gregarious practical joker," it said.
"He was never short of anything to say, whether it was a one-liner, or a kind word of encouragement.
"He was very much a free spirit, and could always be relied upon for help or advice."
'Saddened'
Defence Secretary Des Browne said he was "deeply saddened" by his death.
Jamie's commanding officer, Lieut Col Simon Hutchinson, said: "Jamie was a first class soldier, doing a difficult job very well, with good humour and enthusiasm.
"We are all proud to have known him."
Company commander Major Chris Job described him as "an energetic and enthusiastic individual who had a very promising career ahead of him".
He said: "His enthusiasm was boundless, and the fearless spirit with which he lived was amply demonstrated by his decision to volunteer for Iraq.
"Although young, and new to the Army, he appeared older and more experienced than his 19 years. As a Warrior driver, he was considered to be one of the best, despite only recently passing his test.
Earlier this year, Private Lee Ellis 23, from Wythenshawe, died along with a colleague when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.
Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
J The EL, Mancunia (08/11/2006 at 11:07)
Very sorry, Easbourne (08/11/2006 at 11:58)
Shaun Skivington, Atherton (08/11/2006 at 12:45)
Army Air Corps Pilot, Dishforth (08/11/2006 at 16:06)
Eric, Liverpool (08/11/2006 at 16:08)
You will never be forgotten Jamie.
From an ex soldier from the King's Regiment (1964-1990).
naz, city centre (08/11/2006 at 16:36)
Jaime griffiths, Hindley Green (08/11/2006 at 17:56)
Jaime
steven hook, Leigh (08/11/2006 at 18:31)
peter jones, Hannover.Germany (08/11/2006 at 18:39)
Peter, Monton (08/11/2006 at 19:07)
Ace Riley, manchester (08/11/2006 at 19:24)
Yet another young life lost,for somebody elses war? These people have lived their way of life for thousands of years ,whatever we do wont change their ways and why should it .We should keep our noses out of other peoples wars let them fight for democracy if they want it?why should we impose our ideals on these people at the cost of our soldiers? We need to bring our lads and girls home now and leave the iraqi people to fight their own wars and fight for what they want "not what blair and bush want"
sayce, cheshire (08/11/2006 at 19:48)
steven hook, Leigh (08/11/2006 at 19:52)
Jamie was a happy and likeable lad, loved his job and did his country proud.
This was a pointless and needless loss however and our sevice men/women should pull out and leave them to it.
Gaskell family, Atherton (08/11/2006 at 19:58)
Lou, Manchester (08/11/2006 at 20:23)
Wayne and Nikki, Atherton (08/11/2006 at 20:37)
witheld, manchester (08/11/2006 at 22:14)
A Special Constable, Piccadilly (09/11/2006 at 00:44)
Charlie chadderton, Chadderton (09/11/2006 at 03:48)
Ex Kingsman (Kingo), Liverpool (09/11/2006 at 16:32)
The Kingo stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you Kingo,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Kingo squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the Kingo waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Kingo,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Danny James, Hindley (09/11/2006 at 17:09)
Kim and Alicia Welch, Atherton (09/11/2006 at 21:27)
Beverley Griffiths, Hindley Green (10/11/2006 at 15:02)
Ex Kingo 80-90, Liverpool (10/11/2006 at 23:54)
once a Kingo always a Kingo
kingo, yorkshire (12/11/2006 at 19:08)