A NORTH-EAST Army bomb disposal expert who died following an explosion in Afghanistan was the “epitome of a warrior”, his commanding officers said.

Sapper David Watson was fatally injured as his patrol cleared bombs from an area near Patrol Base Blenheim, near Sangin, in Helmand Province, on New Year’s Eve.

His family described the 23- year-old as a true hero who “lived his dream” and “did what a true soldier is ready to do for his country”.

“He loved life itself and all of its challenges,” they said.

“David’s dry sense of humour, combined with his ability to articulate any situation into a moment of laughter, were two of his many talents.

He was loved by all.”

He used to lift his nephew, Michael, high in the air, and the youngster would now be “regularly reminded that David has joined the stars above, giving hope and inspiration to those that hear of his story”, they said.

Sapper Watson’s commanding officers said the soldier from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers, was a “man-mountain of a young man”, a gentle giant who considered nothing too demanding or tough.

Brought up in Whickham, Gateshead, he joined the Royal Engineers in February 2007 and was a trained commando and paratrooper, winning the top student prize on his parachute course last year.

His death took the number of British service personnel who have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 to 245, including 108 last year – the bloodiest 12 months for British forces since the 1982 Falklands War.

Sapper Watson was killed on his first operational tour, but Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, the commanding officer of the counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) task force, said: ‘‘If ever there was a man born for soldiering it was him.”

Lt Col Bex, of the Royal Logistic Corps, said: “I am humbled and inspired by the courage and resolve men like him show every day in ridding Afghanistan of the threat from IEDs. Although it is a tragedy to lose such a fine soldier, it is a comfort knowing that he served a noble cause and that his efforts are recognised in Helmand and back home in the UK.

“The counter IED battle is tough and ongoing, but he knew that we are making steady progress. This success is due to the courage and deeds of men like Sapper Watson and we must continue to hold our nerve and plough on with the same determination that he showed.’’