A 21-year-old soldier with the King’s Royal Hussars was killed after being struck by a train near Bradford on Avon Railway Station on Saturday.

Trooper Max McBride, who is based at Tidworth barracks and has family in both the Bradford on Avon and Devizes area, was described by his regiment as “kind, gentle and sometimes shy”.

Mr McBride, who had completed training for a tour of Iraq which was later called off, was hit by the 5.49am Bristol Temple Mead to Portsmouth service at about 6.41pm, at Tucker’s Occupational Crossing, about a mile east of Bradford on Avon station.

The line was closed until 9.09am as police officers from Trowbridge and the British Transport Police examined the scene.

Mr McBride’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

The young soldier had been with the British Army for three years and had completed his basic training at the Army Training Regiment Winchester, before joining the Hussars.

A statement released by his regiment this morning said: “Max McBride was a kind, gentle and sometimes shy character but when one gained his confidence you were rewarded with a cheeky and fun sense of humour.

“He did not take himself too seriously and when in the company of his fellow soldiers and officers alike would happily join in the banter.

“He will be remembered fondly by his troop, squadron and the regiment as a professional and very capable soldier and also as a fun and caring individual who will be a sorely missed by all.

“He was an extremely friendly and committed individual who showed a natural ability and enthusiasm for soldiering.”

The regiment said Mr McBride was on his way to becoming a fully qualified tank gunner, and showed a talent for gunnery in his current post as a Challenger tank crewman.

The statement added: “He showed an enthusiasm for equitation which as part of a cavalry regiment was encouraged and nurtured and as such he was able to work for a period in the regimental stables where he was always a familiar smiling face who thoroughly enjoyed working with the ponies.”