The people of Wootton Bassett welcomed home another of the country’s fallen troops yesterday as the union jack draped coffin of Lance Corporal David Wilson was flown home to RAF Lyneham.

Residents stood side by side, with heads bowed, as the procession paused outside the war memorial for a minutes silence on Thursday afternoon.

Lance Corporal Wilson died on December 4 while serving with 9 Regiment Army Air Corps in Basra after suffering a gunshot wound.

His death will now be subject to a full investigation because no enemy forces were involved and there is no evidence to suggest that anyone else was involved.

Described as a family man, Lance Corporal Wilson, who was born in Huddersfield, was well known for his generous, kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others.

He leaves behind fiancée Michelle Curry, 11-week-old daughter Poppy, his parents, brother, family and friends.

His family said in a statement: “David was a loving and devoted family man who was the light of Michelle's life. The recent gift of their beautiful baby daughter had made his world complete.

"David wore his uniform with pride and was fulfilling his lifelong ambition to be a soldier.

"The family are extremely proud of him and our world will be a much sadder place without him. Words cannot express how much he was dearly loved."

Major Al Stocker, Officer Commanding 659 Squadron and the Lynx Detachment Commander in Iraq, said: “David was part of the fabric of the squadron, renowned for helping others, always happy, kind and positive - he will be truly missed."