FRIENDS of a 20-year-old Suffolk soldier who was killed in Basra this week today pledged “he will never be forgotten”.Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, from RAF Honnington near Bury St Edmunds, was shot while taking part in a routine foot patrol on Tuesday.

FRIENDS of a 20-year-old Suffolk soldier who was killed in Basra this week today pledged “he will never be forgotten”.

Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, from RAF Honnington near Bury St Edmunds, was shot while taking part in a routine foot patrol on Tuesday.

Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, the officer in command of the No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, said the soldier had a “wicked sense of humour”, and “a bright future ahead of him”.

Leading Aircraftsman Matthew Brown, who underwent basic training with LAC Beard, said of his friend: “We were busy but he always found time to talk to you and cheer you up.

“He was always up for going out with the lads and was a very happy person. He will never be forgotten and remembered for the good things and times.”

LAC Beard, who was from Rainworth, near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, leaves behind his loving family and fiancée Nic.