As we were going to press yesterday (Thursday), tributes were pouring in for a local serviceman killed in Afghanistan this week.

Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith, who had strong links with South Pembrokeshire, was serving in the Royal Military Police when he was killed in an attack on Tuesday.

Known as Nic or W-S to his family, friends and colleagues, he was killed whilst carrying out his duties at Blue 25, an ANP checkpoint in the Nad-e'Ali District of Helmand Province.

Aged 24, he was one of five servicemen who died in an incident which has caused national outrage.

Born on May 2, 1985, in Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, Cpl. Webster-Smith attended Llangunnor Primary School and Queen Elizabeth Cambria Secondary School in Carmarthen before moving to Pembrokeshire where he completed his education at Greenhill School, Tenby. He lived latterly in Brackley, Northamptonshire.

All the staff at Greenhill School were 'shocked and saddened' at the tragic news of his death.

A statement issued by the school yesterday (Thursday) paid tribute to him. 

"His teachers have fond and happy memories of a very popular, outgoing and delightful young man," it said. 

"Nic had a really positive attitude to school and to life in general. He embraced all opportunities that came his way both inside and outside the classroom.

"Nic worked hard academically and gained really good examination results. He also approached sport, especially rugby and football, with the same enthusiasm. He played a full and active role in sixth form life from organising discos, sports matches and fund-raising events to supporting younger pupils with reading.

"Nic had a wide friendship group. He was larger than life and our memories cover so many aspects of what Nick brought to our school.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends."

When he resided in this area, Cpl. Webster-Smith lived with his family in Ludchurch and then Saundersfoot.

Prior to joining the army in 2005, he worked for Pembrokeshire County Council as a football development coach.

Retired football development officer, Gerry Rigby, whom he assisted, described him as a 'very popular lad' who was 'liked by all the youngsters'

He said: "Nic coached youngsters at after-school sessions and soccer schools throughout the county. He worked very hard to get into the army and really found his niche in life there. It really made him as a man. I have spoken to former colleagues in the sports development department and they are all shocked and upset."

Following his Phase 1 training, Cpl. Webster-Smith enlisted into the Corps of Royal Military Police in February 2005 and upon successful completion of his training was posted to 160 Provost Company, Aldershot, in November of that year.

During his time at 160 Provost Company, as well as conducting garrison policing, he completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 5, a deployment in Kosovo, and a joint service policing tour of the Falkland Islands, where he contributed to the joint service provost and security unit, for which he was awarded a Commander British Forces Falkland Islands Commendation.

Cpl. Webster-Smith was the eldest son of his proud parents Richard and Jacqueline and a loved brother of Christopher, Samuel and Hannah. Corporal Webster-Smith leaves behind his much-loved partner and soul-mate Emma Robinson, along with a loving and proud family.

Paying tribute, his family said he was an 'irreplaceable son, brother, boyfriend and friend' and 'one of the most loving, generous, kind-hearted men you could meet'.

"He always put others first and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Nic will forevermore always be in our hearts."

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis (Commanding Officer 4th Battalion Royal Military Police), said: "Cpl. Webster-Smith was a real character amongst the regiment and the company. A professional and determined soldier, Cpl. Webster-Smith was always the first to volunteer and the last to give up.

"A spirited non-commissioned officer with a keen sense of humour, Cpl. Webster-Smith was at his most comfortable in the midst of fellow soldiers, either guiding and mentoring them, or having a laugh and a joke with them.

"During his short military career, he undertook operational tours to Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as volunteering for a six-month deployment to the Falkland Islands before deploying again to Afghanistan this year.

"His continual deployments are testament to Cpl. Webster-Smith's desire to be a soldier first, alongside his mates. He was very much a part of every aspect of company life and could normally be found in the thick of it with a cheeky smile on his face.

"The regiment is currently overwhelmed at the sad loss of Cpl. Webster-Smith; it is a much poorer place without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his girlfriend at this difficult time; we share in their grief."

Company Commander, Major Phil Hacker, added: "Cpl. Webster-Smith's death is a tragedy to us all, especially so early on in the tour. Cpl. Webster-Smith loved army life and he also knew and accepted the dangers that faced him during this tour of Afghanistan.

"He cared deeply for his fellow soldiers and this was reciprocated by all who served with him. He was a very popular soldier within 160 Provost Company and touched all of our lives with his humour, laughter and great professionalism.

"He set the best example of what it is to be a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer within the Royal Military Police, accepting difficult and demanding tasks with great pride."

Operations officer for 160 Provost Company, Captain Karen Tait, said: "W-S was a true soldier and military policeman. His pride at wearing his beret and working alongside his colleagues was evident.

"He had a fantastic sense of humour that he brought out when we all needed it, always at the centre of activity. His professionalism and courage is what stood him out amongst his peers. He demonstrated his 'wilco' approach to life until the end.

"A sociable character who always made time for his friends and loved ones, the loss of W-S has left a void in the company."

2nd Lieutenant Richard Evans added: "Cpl. Webster-Smith was respected, fun and well-liked. He was a key member of the Corporals' Mess and Regimental sports teams.

"He was always at the heart of any social function and part of a close-knit circle of friends. He was a fantastic example to those he served with - knowledgeable, confident and open.

"He was an asset not only to his company, but to those he served with. Cpl. Webster-Smith had a keen, dry sense of humour which he often shared with those around him. A sure source of morale, and a reliable individual, he was selected for his role in theatre because of his robustness, clarity of thought, and professionalism.

Cpl. Webster-Smith was an exemplary Royal Military Police Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. He would soldier on regardless of the situation, he knew his job, and was adaptable. He will be sorely missed."

Messages of condolence to Nic have also been left on his Facebook page.

caption