THE death of a Plymouth Army officer has come as a "massive shock" to the city's commando unit – but top brass have spoken of the continued determination.

Major Steve Fraser, Officer Commanding Rear Party at 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was speaking just days after Lieutenant Aaron Lewis was killed in a firefight in southern Afghanistan.

Lt Lewis, aged 26, is the first city-based Army officer to die in conflict in many years.

Shortly before deploying city commandos said they were determined to "bring everyone home safe" after losing four soldiers on the last deployment in 2006/07.

Family and friends of the popular soldier have continued to pay an emotional tribute to him.

Asked about how the commandos at the Royal Citadel were feeling at hearing the news, Maj Fraser said: "Initially it was very difficult for everyone here. We expected this on the last tour.

"We just have to get on with what we have to and support Lieutenant Lewis's family. Today is another day and we must struggle on.

"He was a very brave character and it came as a massive shock to us, especially those of us in the officer's mess because he was an officer.

"This has never happened to us before. He was very close to the other officers.

"We had a short gathering inside the mess last night and had a beer in his memory."

However Maj Fraser reiterated the determination of the city commandos.

"We have been given a job to do and we will get on with it," he said.

"We just need to stay focused. We cannot afford to lose focus on the job in hand. It's the nature of the role."

Lt Lewis – who was serving with 29 Cdo's F Troop of 79 Commando Battery – died on Monday, less than two weeks after he celebrated his 26th birthday in Afghanistan.

He died after the gun position he was commanding came under attack.

He was on a major operation and based in a Forward Operating Base near Gereshk in Central Helmand. He was flown to hospital in Kandahar but died shortly after arrival.

Speaking at the family home in Rochford, his mother, Helen, said: "I just want to say how much I love Aaron. I am so proud of him, and we were so close. Every time we spoke we told each other how much we loved each other, we really had a special bond.

"The whole family, grandparents, uncles, aunts, everyone is really going to miss him so much."

Lt Lewis's father Barry added: "I don't know anyone who has a bad word to say about him.

"He could walk into a room full of big Army lads and Colonels, and everyone would notice him. He had such presence and was confident talking to anyone."

Brother Brett, aged 31, said: "Aaron was always there for everyone and had very strong values. He was one of those people who knew how lucky he was, with his family and his friends and his career.

"He always put his friends first and never thought about himself. He believed in being out there in Afghanistan – and, knowing Aaron, he would have been making sure his boys were safe."

Friend Pete Evans, of Thundersley, spoke of Lt Lewis's dedication to his rugby and highlighted the super-fit soldiers' sense of fun.

"With Aaron there are just too many good times to mention," the 26-year-old said. "When he came home on leave he just loved being here."

Yesterday morning 13 bunches of flowers had been left at the gates of the Citadel.

They had been left by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, the staff of the officer's mess at the Citadel, and from members of the public.

One note attached to a bunch, from RV Ops, read: "Heroes don't die, they just move on. Commando in name, Commando in spirit".

The body of Lt Lewis – as well as the four Royal Marines who died last week in two separate incidents in the Sangin area of Helmand – were today due to be flown back to RAF Lyneham in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

His family was due to attend alongside his 29-year-old girlfriend, Naomi Tolley.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Lt Lewis will be staged when the regiment returns to Plymouth next spring.

Lt Lewis is the 133rd British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.

His death on Monday came hours after the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, pledged to send more troops to Afghanistan.