Castlemartin: Tributes Flood In To British Army Corporal

Tributes have flooded in for a British Army corporal who died following an incident at a military firing range in Wales.

Corporal Matthew Hatfield died as a result of the injuries sustained last week at Castlemartin Training Area, along with Corporal Darren Neilson.

The mother of Cpl Hatfield, 27, who joined the Army aged 16, is quoted by the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald as saying:

"He was [a] true friend to people and very kind. I have been overwhelmed by the support of so many people. It maybe sounds as if it is all too good to be true but he genuinely was perfect."

Frances Chandler added that her son had always wanted to join the Army and loved his career.

His fiancee Jill McBride, meanwhile, called the soldier her soulmate and said he was her world.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ridgway, Commanding Officer of The Royal Tank Regiment, said:

"They were both exceptionally talented soldiers who loved what they did. The regiment has lost two real characters and feels truly honoured to have served with them; they will both be sorely missed."

A full military funeral is to be held for Cpl Hatfield at his regiment's base in Tidworth, on a date yet to be set.

Cpl Hatfield also leaves a younger sister, Samantha, and father Karl.