The Signaller's proud mum also told how he had stayed in the country an extra month to help his country as numbers were low.

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Yesterday Moe Bland, 44, described how she had lost "my son, my husband and my dad" all in one fell swoop as he was the man of the house and fiercely protective of his three sisters and younger brother.

Little brother Jordan Adams, 11, gave a touching tribute.

In a eulogy to be read at the funeral Jordan says: "He was the best brother I could ever have and ever wish for.

"He did a lot for this family and the best he could for us. We all appreciate what he did.

"Without him we are nothing, we cannot even survive without him. Wayne, my brother. Please watch over us like we watched over you when you were here.."

He added: "I was thinking about joining the forces like Wayne but I might not do now after what has happened."

Heartbroken Moe, speaking from the home she shared with her son said: "It was his first tour and he was absolutely loving it. He was meant to be home but he stayed on because they were short of numbers.

"But I don't blame anyone for what's happened. It is war and he was proud to be serving his country. I've heard the Taliban had been tipped off about where they were but you have to accept that's what can happen. It's just terrible luck."

Sig Bland, who also leaves sisters Carla, 24, Leanne, 23, and Gail, 18, was stationed at Buckingham Palace last year before he was posted to Afghanistan in February. He spent his 21st birthday there just after his arrival.

Moe, who said "he thought he was Rambo", added: "He loved celebrating out there with his friends. But he kept in touch and always sent us pictures of him playing the fool with all his mates. He was loveable and mischievous, but also extremely loving and caring and very protective. He was a true hero at home as well as abroad. I have lost my son, my husband and my dad, a huge piece of our lives has gone totally."

His sister Gail said he had been reluctant to go to Afghanistan.

She said: "He didn't want to go back but that is what he signed up to do.

"I saw the pain in his eyes."

She added: "He was crying about the things he had seen.

"I had never seen tears in my brother's eyes but that time in the pub I will never forget it."

Ms Bland said the last contact she'd had with her brother was on the internet, a few days before his death, when he was "excited" about returning home next week.