An “incredibly courageous” soldier from Watford, killed while serving on the front line in Afghanistan, was a “model Commando” and the “best of his generation”.

Corporal Christopher Harrison, 26, of Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in an explosion while leading a patrol alongside the Afghan National Army through hostile territory in Sangin, Helmand Province, at about 2am (6.20am local time) on Sunday.

He leaves his wife Rebecca, who he married in 2008, father Martin and mother Gill, and older brother Russell.

Cpl Harrison's body was repatriated to RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, yesterday (Thursday), after his three best friends in the forces made their way from the front line to Camp Bastion to carry his coffin onto the military plane bound for Britain.

He was later driven through the town of Wootton Bassett.

His death brings the number of British personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 285.

Born in Watford, the former Lea Farm School and Parmiter's School pupil joined the Royal Marines in 2003.

He qualified as a heavy weapons (mortars) specialist and then completed his first tour of Afghanistan in 2007.

Earlier this year, in January, Cpl Harrison successfully passed Junior Command Training and then returned to the country for his second tour, based at Patrol Base Shuga.

Rebecca, who lived with Cpl Harrison in Taunton, Somerset, described her husband's death as “the most devastating news of my life”.

She said: “I have lost the most fantastic husband I could ever have wished for.

"Even though I knew and fully supported what Chris did as a Royal Marine and the dangers he was facing, I am still broken by his loss. Chris was my life, he was my motivator and my inspiration, my rock, the one person with whom I shared everything.

"It hurts me beyond words knowing that I will never have my beloved husband by my side ever again and we will never raise the family that we so desperately craved to complete our lives together. He will forever live in my heart."

Mr and Mrs Harrison said their family had lost a “wonderful and loving son and brother who was devoted to Becky”.

They said: “He was an outstanding young man with qualities way beyond his young years.

"Although he had to be tough, demanding and in peak physical condition to do his job as a Royal Marine, he was also caring, kind and considerate to those he truly loved.

“We are extremely proud of our son Chris and what he achieved in his short but exceptional life; we will preserve his memory forever."

Cpl Harrison's brother Russ added: “Chris was an outstanding bloke and Royal Marine who absolutely loved his job, his mates and his wife.

"Although this is the worst possible news for all of our family, I know that Chris would want his mates still serving out there to keep their minds focused on the job, come back safe and have a massive drink of port in his honour. His humour, generosity and kindness will be dearly missed by everyone, especially me.

"All of my memories are of him and the massive grin on his face, and I know that is how he would want to be remembered. RIP mate, I will never forget you."

Cpl Harrison's commanding officers and colleagues have also paid tribute to the Marine known as “H-Bomb” - a popular, professional and enthusiastic soldier who was the “life and soul of any party”.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Group, said he was “the best of his generation; fit, bright, dedicated and incredibly courageous”.

He said: "A larger than life character, both in stature and personality, he was one of the few men who was known across the whole of 40 Commando. He achieved legendary status amongst his cohorts, having overcome snakebites in Brunei and delivering rapid and accurate mortar fire support on this, his second deployment to Afghanistan.

“He is a man who will be sorely missed by all. Corporal Chris Harrison was, and will always be, the model Commando."

Sergeant Simon Smith, Mortar Line Commander, Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: “A huge figure, Chris led from the front. Chris was a true Bootneck both at work and ashore.

"His sense of humour always revealed itself before, during and after a few ales. Apart from his outstanding professionalism, my memories of him will always include his bar antics in Penang when the Regimental Sergeant Major christened him 'the madman of Malaysia'.”

Sergeant Matthew Bentley and Sergeant Wayne Lyness, Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: “He was genuinely the life and soul of any party, his dancing style was definitely all of his own, with mad lunging and reverse elbow moves causing havoc on the dancefloor."

Marine Drew Gardiner, Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, added: "I will remember him for his cheerfulness in all circumstances and as a great bloke to be around. It truly was a privilege to have known him. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and will never be forgotten."

Cpl Harrison's funeral could take place next week in central Watford, though full details are to be confirmed.

His family have asked for donations to be sent to the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund, or Help 4 Heroes.