Eulogies to Lance Corporal Dale Hopkins (1 PARA), killed in Afghanistan 6 August 2009.

His family paid the following tribute:

"Dale was a loving son and brother. He was a determined, energetic man who loved life. We are so very proud of him and all that he achieved. We are all devastated that such a wonderful and popular person is now missing from our lives. Dale will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues."

The Commanding Officer said:

"Dale was an immensely proud, forthright and honest man who took an abiding joy in soldiering. An outstanding and utterly professional paratrooper, he readily embraced the self-sacrifice, responsibility and dedication required of his profession. He died doing the job he so loved, alongside the comrades that meant so much to him.

He gave his life for his fellow comrades and for The Parachute Regiment. We are privileged to have counted such a brave, upright and professional soldier as one of our own, and every man in the unit is proud and honoured to have served with him.

At this difficult time we think about Dale’s family, to whom he was so dedicated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and we hope that they can draw strength, as we do, from fond memories of an exceptional young man."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Cpl Kevin Mulligan, LCpl Dale Hopkins and Pte Kyle Adams, all of The Parachute Regiment, whilst on patrol north of Lashkar Gah. These men were highly gifted individuals at the forefront of their profession and their loss is a heavy blow.

They were working alongside Afghan Security Forces when they made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future for the Afghan people. I continue to be inspired by the incredible professionalism, bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces. As a nation, we are exceptionally lucky to have them.

My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the family, friends and colleagues of these three men.This is an extremely difficult time, but I have no doubt that our forces’ resolve to succeed in their vital work in Afghanistan will remain undiminished."