Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2008, Trooper James Munday, 1 Troop, D Squadron, the Household Cavalry Regiment, died in Afghanistan. His troop had been conducting a routine patrol north of Forward Operating Base Delhi when he was killed in an explosion.

He had joined the Army in 2005 and after basic training went to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Knightsbridge. After eighteen months, and a season with the Musical Ride, he trained as a Scimitar driver and gunner, and at the time of his death was serving as a Jackal driver. According to his family he was adventurous and fearless, a gracious and caring son who died doing the job he loved. His colleagues remember him as bright, funny, mischievous and loyal – and as a thoughtful, courageous and inspiring soldier. Prince William, with whom he served in D Squadron, issued a statement in which he referred to Trooper Munday as an “exceptional soldier”.

Lieutenant Colonel Harry Fullerton paid this tribute: "Trooper James Munday was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best of his generation. He was a rising star in his peer group and a truly brilliant Life Guard and Household Cavalryman. He excelled at all he turned his hand to. He finished his gunnery course as the top gun. He was posted to D Squadron, where he prepared for operations and won the confidence and respect of his Squadron Leader and all his colleagues immediately. He relished the prospect of serving his country on operations. He served on this tour with courage, honour, humility and always put his colleagues’ interest first. He was passionate about his job and the regiment could ask for no more from him. He has paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. His family have lost a wonderful son and we at the Regiment have lost one of the best."

James, from Birmingham, was 21 years old.