Bombardier Samuel Robinson of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, was the 100th solider to be killed in the Sangin province of Afghanistan.

The 31-year-old from Penybont, Bronwydd, died on Thursday after being caught in an explosion while on a foot patrol.

Bombardier Robinson — know as “Robbo” to his colleagues — was a former pupil of QE Cambria secondary school in Johnstown, Carmarthen, and previously worked for his father’s printing business in Carmarthen, Just Print.

Bronwydd community councillor Ralph Carpenter said the news was a terrible blow to people in the community.

“Any death is very sad,” he said. “And any death of someone serving in the armed forces is terribly sad. Everybody from the village will be very sad about this affair.”

Since the news of his death, colleagues have paid tribute to Sam, who first joined the army in 1999.

Major Mark Wood, Battery Commander Special Observation Post Battery, of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “Bombardier Robinson was an utterly dedicated and professional junior non-commissioned officer who epitomised everything that a surveillance and target acquisition patrol solider should be.

“Fiercely fit, highly capable and entirely selfless, he was the life blood of the Battery.

“It is devastating that he should lose his life whilst doing the job he loved.”

Captain Lee Chapman RA, Operations Officer with the battery, said: “He will be greatly missed by the patrol and the special observer ‘family’, and will always be remembered for his dedication, loyalty, and his love for his beloved Wales.”

Meanwhile Sergeant Wayne Turnbull described Bombardier Robinson as “not just my second in command” but also his friend and brother.

“He will be dearly missed,” he said.

Sam’s parents, Dennis and Alison Robinson, said on Friday they were “very proud” of him and “would miss him forever.”

gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk