The body of Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon has been repatriated to British soil.

The medic was killed in a missile attack at Camp Taji in Iraq last week.

Her family said: "Our hearts are irreparably broken at the loss of our beautiful, bright and fun-loving Brodie.

"She brought immeasurable love, fun and energy to our lives and was so generous in every way. She was determined and tenacious, wonderfully funny, courageous and caring.

"Brodie was a force of nature, a strong independent young woman. She was fierce, with a strong mind and a sensitive soul. Her healing and strength will guide us as we carry on without her, for her."

The Royal Air Force aircraft carrying LCpl Gillon's coffin touched down at RAF Brize Norton yesterday afternoon.

To the sound of a lone bugler playing the last post, the ramp ceremony commenced in front of her bereaved family, senior military figures and representatives of her regiment.

LCpl Gillon’s coffin, borne by six of her comrades, was carefully collected from rear of the aircraft and placed in a waiting hearse to be taken to the Repatriation Centre’s Chapel of Rest.

The funeral cortege left RAF Brize Norton through the Britannia Gate to proceed through the village of Brize Norton passing the memorial garden and its tolling bell.

There to greet the hearse were several of Lance Corporal Gillon’s friends and colleagues, Members of the British Legion bowed their standards in honour as the hearse came to a stop in front of the garden of remembrance for friends and families to pay their respects and place flowers on the roof.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Money, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion Irish Guards said: “LCpl Brodie Gillon of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry was serving as a medic attached to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards Battlegroup on Operation Shader 10 in Taji, Iraq when she was tragically killed by enemy action on the night of Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

“A bright, confident and highly competent soldier, she was liked and respected by all who knew her. She served the men and women of the Irish Guards fantastically well during her time with us, quickly fitting in and making friends across the Battlegroup as we played our part in the vital work of training Iraqi and Kurdish Security Forces.

“The thoughts and prayers of all Irish Guardsmen and those deployed on Op Shader 10 are with her family and friends at home in Ayrshire.”

Sapper Salmon, 29 Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment, said: "My Dearest Brodie and I started a journey and only recently spoke about the end of the tour and going forward.

"Brodie became indispensable to the Battlegroup and made a huge impact during her time in Camp Taji.

"She was passionate in the way that she treated her peers and there was never a dull moment with you, especially with your strong Scottish accent. Rest in peace."

Guardsman Williams, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said: “Brodie was more than just a friend to me; she was a person I could not only trust but also care for.

"We shared many conversations and many fond memories. She is sorely missed, and I hope she is now at peace. Rest easy soldier, your duty is done.”