A PLYMOUTH soldier who died in an explosion in Afghanistan was unlawfully killed, an inquest ruled today.

Corporal Mark Anthony Palin, 32, born in Plymouth, was serving with 1st Battalion The Rifles when he was killed in July last year.

Cpl Palin was clearing Improvised Explosive Device bomb parts at the time of his death.

Corporal Palin left behind wife, Carla and son Lennon, as well as an unborn daughter.

Cpl Palin enlisted in 1996 and served in Northern Ireland and Iraq.

He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Cpl Palin's commanding officer, Major Mike Turnbull, said: "Everybody knew him and everybody loved him. He never ceased to make people laugh - it was one of his greatest gifts. He was a team player in the truest sense. I have rarely seen a man give more for those around him.

"He had fought hard against injury in order to deploy to Afghanistan, and there was no question in his mind of doing otherwise. He was a fine man, a true Rifleman, and we feel his loss deeply."

Cpl Palin once lived in Keyham but more recently he and wife Carla were based in Chester. They were married at Bickleigh Church in 2005, followed by a reception at the Moat House on the Hoe.

Described by his Commanding Officer as having a “fearless bravery”, he also leaves behind a young son Lennon and was thrilled at the prospect of a new baby on the way.

Cpl Palin’s family said: “Mark was unique, one in a million. He was loved deeply by all his family and friends. He was a devoted family man who adored his son and was so looking forward to the birth of his daughter.

“He will be deeply missed by all his family, friends and everyone who knew him.”

Known as ‘Maldoon’ to friends, Cpl Palin was deployed to Afghanistan in April with the Battalion’s B Company and was second-in-command of a twelve-man team of servicemen.

“Corporal Mark Palin was a Battalion personality through and through,” said Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière DSO MBE, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Rifles.

“He thrived on the friendship of many, and was generous to a fault in the friendship he gave in return. Indeed this was the very essence of the man; always putting others first, and taking huge enjoyment in making others smile and laugh, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

“He died leading from the very front, as was his way. He had a fearless bravery with which he just made things happen. And he was always restless and eager to help. In so doing he made himself the pivotal part of the team. He was hugely respected by his Riflemen and greatly relied on by his Commanders. A more selfless man you could never meet.”

He added that Cpl Palin was passionate about his family, football and to be with his Rifleman on operations.

“For his Riflemen he overcame injury through dogged determination to be with them on the tour,” said Lt Col James de Labillière.

Paying tribute, Corporal Wayne Fairnington, B Company, The First Battalion, The Rifles, said: “We all miss you so much already.”