New tributes to Lance Corporal Liam Tasker who trained at St George's Barracks in Rutland

A soldier and his four-legged friend who lost their lives in Afghanistan are being remembered through a new memorial.

Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, was on patrol in Helmand province with his working dog, Theo, when he was shot and killed in action. A few hours later Theo had a seizure and died.

LCpl Tasker’s mum, Jane Duffy, said her son and his springer spaniel Theo had a special bond.

“He was just with Theo 24/7,” she said. “He was his best friend. At least they’re together and I take a lot of comfort from that.”

LCpl Tasker, born in Fife, was a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before transferring to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

In 2010 he was posted to 104 Military Working Dog Squadron at St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham, part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment.

With Theo, he was deployed to Afghanistan in September 2010.

They had significant success detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and helping to save British and Afghan lives.

Theo set a new record for bomb finds and was awarded the Dickin Medal - the animals’ Victoria Cross.

On March 1, 2011, they were at the head of a patrol when they were engaged by small arms fire.

LCpl Tasker was struck and died and Theo died a short time later. They were buried together in Scotland.

A Ministry of Defence tribute published shortly afterwards described LCpl Tasker as an “outgoing, jovial and friendly character”.

It added: “He was extremely popular within his squadron.

“His easy-going, confident approach belied a consummate professional.

“He always strived to be the best, and within the squadron he was one of the best.”

Now a new tribute has been paid to Liam and Theo. The Veterans’ Foundation has established an online Armed Forces Memorial Wall on which people can leave messages.

“As a mum, your biggest fear is that your sons or daughters are going to be forgotten,” said Jane. “They died serving the country. They should always be remembered.”

To pay respects to Liam and Theo, people can visit their section of the Armed Forces Memorial Wall.