Grieving brother Danny O’Callaghan, 16, revealed that Lee was his role model – and he had planned to follow him into the Army.

He said, “Lee was army mad. He wanted to travel the world. He was ambitious. And he was really kind – a brilliant big

brother.”

The O’Callaghans holidayed in Malta in April, just a few weeks before Lee was pulled out of training and sent for a three-month sortie in Iraq. He was due to leave the country in a week’s time.

The Mirror reported that in his last phone call, Lee told their mother, Shirley, of his relief that he would soon be leaving the lawless country. And he described his fear that things “seemed to be out of control”.

Lee, the eldest of four children and a keen Millwall football supporter, arrived in Iraq at the end of April and was due home a week yesterday.

His family have expressed anger at the young soldier’s death.

“He was just a kid – a brand new recruit. I think anger is a good word to describe how we feel. It is a senseless war. We had no right to be there. What have we gained? My message to Tony Blair is, ‘Get the rest of the kids out,’ an aunt told The Mirror.

Private O’Callaghan was the 62nd British serviceman to die since the start of the invasion last year.

Lee’s best friend, Liam added, “He was sent to his death by Tony Blair. I have lost the person I grew up with. He was my best friend. And his family have lost an amazing brother and son.”

A spokesman for the UK MoD said, “It is obviously an awful time for the family. It is devastating that this poor young chap has died, but we have work to do in Iraq.”