Taliban victim Captain Rupert Bowers saw son born weeks ago

Captain Rupert Bowers, 24, was days away from leaving the war zone for good — and returning to his family — when a blast struck him. The decorated officer had flown home last month to be at wife Victoria's side for the arrival of son Hugo. He then returned to the frontline to finish his six-month tour — and was killed by the IED explosion during a patrol in Helmand on Wednesday. The death of Captain Bowers, from Wolverhampton, takes the British toll in Afghanistan to 405. Tributes last night poured in for the popular officer — who received a Mention in Despatches for rescuing two comrades while under heavy Taliban fire in 2007. Captain Bowers — of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment — was also wounded in battle in 2009, but still wanted to return to the frontline. Lieutenant Colonel Colin William Wright said: "His infectious smile, constant good humour and immense dedication to his men made an immediate impression on all of us. His team would have followed him anywhere." Lieutenant Paul Seligman added: "He was a warrior — as brave as any. "I can scarcely believe anything could bring him to a halt and the world is a lesser place without him. I remember his pride and excitement at the news that Hugo was on his way." Rifleman Paul Shaw said: "Captain Bowers is by far the finest officer I have had the pleasure of working for."

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