On 5th May, Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was killed by an elephant when he was on a patrol.

Lt Col Ed Launders, his commanding officer described Guardsman Talbot as “determined and big-hearted”.

Penny Mordaunt, defense secretary said he served with “great courage and professionalism” and was carrying out “vital” counter-poaching work.

“This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world’s most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife,” she added in a statement to the media.

From the West Midlands, Gdsm Talbot was serving in his first operational deployment, the MoD said.

He was killed in Liwonde National Park, in the south of Malawi.

His loved ones include his father Steven, his mum Michelle, his siblings Aimee and Isabel, and his fiancee Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot “was not unfamiliar” with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

“With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage,” it added.

And to boost the fight against wildlife poach, British troops have been deployed in Africa.

Their duty is to equip rangers in tracking skills, infantry, bushcraft and information analysis skills.

Gavin Williamson, the former defence secretary announced the expansion of the UK’s counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi – doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 – in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot’s company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, “he never failed to make me smile”.

Lt Col Launders added: “Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit.”

Nia Griffith, Shadow defence secretary described the death as “tragic news”.

“It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

“My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time,” she added.