This is a tribute dedicated to Jordan Bancroft. Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nad-e Ali, was tragically killed in Afghanistan on 21 August 2010.

Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010 as a Section Second in Command with 1 Platoon, Anzio Company, 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The soldiers of Anzio Company have undoubtedly improved the lives of hundreds of local Afghans during their five months in Nad-e Ali by conducting frequent joint security and reassurance patrols with their Afghan National Army colleagues.

On Saturday 21 August 2010, as part of the ongoing 'Hold' and 'Build' phase of Operation TOR SHEZADA in Sayedebad, central Helmand, Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft's Platoon was providing essential outer security in order for a shura to take place between ISAF troops and local village elders. Sadly, during an exchange of fire with insurgents, Lance Corporal Bancroft was shot and killed in action.

Lance Corporal Bancroft, aged 25, was born in Burnley on 13 March 1985. He joined the Army in September 2001, initially carrying out his Phase 1 training at the Army Training Regiment, Bassingbourn, before finishing at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick.

On completion of his training he was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment before its amalgamation on 01 July 2006. Throughout his time in the Army he served with distinction – this is his third operational tour having deployed twice to IRAQ on Op TELIC 2 and 11.

He was a highly professional and capable Junior Non-Commissioned Officer - one who relished life in the Army. He possessed loyalty 'in spades' and he had an absolute dedication to the Regiment, to the Battalion, to his Company and to the men he served with.

However, more importantly he will be long remembered for his love for his family and girlfriend – they held a special place in his life and were his first love.

Tragically killed doing the job that he loved and excelled at, he will leave a huge hole. He was the epitome of a Duke of Lancaster's soldier – diligent, selfless, caring and with a profound sense of duty.

He will be sorely missed by all members of the Battalion as a comrade and as a much loved friend – there are few like him.

The family of Lance Corporal Bancroft has made the following statement:

"We will always remember Jordan loving a challenge, in particular outdoor pursuits. He was a keen snow skier and often skied for the Regiment. He loved all watersports and took any opportunity to ride a jet ski or drive a speed boat. We will miss Jordan so much and it will leave a huge hole in all our lives.

"You will always be in our hearts, Jordan - Mum, Dad, your brothers Paul and Leighton, your sister Toni and your girlfriend Lauren."

This memorial has been created in memory of Jordan Bancroft who died a hero doing the job he loved. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.