A Barnsley soldier who died in Afghanistan two days before Armistice day will be remembered as 'a true war hero', according to people ho knew him.
Private Matthew Adam Thornton, 28, of Bridge Street, Darton was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Matt, as he was know to family and friends, served in the 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Babaji province of Helmand.
He was serving with 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, of the Territorial Army, as a part of a combined force in Lashkar Gah. Pte Thornton's family have paid tribute to him.
"Matthew was a dedicated soldier and passionate about the job. He loved what he was doing. He loved life and lived it to the full - in his work, in his role with the Territorial Army and in his leisure time.
"Matthew will be greatly missed by his family, his TA colleagues and his friends. His death leaves a huge hole in all our lives."
A neighbour on Bridge Street said he will be remembered 'as a true war hero'.
Private Jeremy Robbins, of 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "Matthew was a most friendly and caring person who took great pride in being a Yorkshireman from Barnsley.
"A soldier of the Yorkshire Regiment, having always wanted to serve on tour in Afghanistan, he worked hard throughout his mobilisation and pre-deployment training in Germany.
"We worked together from the start both on patrol and at our checkpoint where he would always have a laugh with the lads and be counting down the days to when he could be home again with his family.
"Matt had just turned 28 a few days ago and he celebrated in the best way he could with no stag and a birthday cake his mother had sent which had arrived in one piece.
"He was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues."
Headteacher of his former school Sharon Rossides said: "Matthew Thornton attended Darton High School from September 1995 to July 2000. Staff and students are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss.
"Matthew was a great sportsman, always polite and friendly, he was unassuming but with a great personality, a real credit to his family and the school. When talking to staff who know him, the words ‘absolutely lovely’ keep reoccurring.
"Matthew was doing the job he loved and what he always wanted to do. We are incredibly proud of Matthew and of his achievements.
"Our thoughts are now constantly with his family who have requested time to mourn their son and brother."
Reaction from friends, neighbours and work colleagues in this week's town and Darton editions.
