A British solder known for his prowess as a bomb diffuser has died on his last day of duty.

The "Daily Mail" reports 30-year-old staff sergeant Olaf Schmid was killed instantly when a roadside bomb he was trying to disarm blew up.

Schmid, described by senior military officers as a "legend," was on his last operational day of a five-month stint when he lost his life.

He was due to fly home for a two-week break this Saturday before returning to Afghanistan for his final month of duty.

Sergeant Schmid, described by his fellow soldiers as a man of extreme courage who quote, "stared death in the face on a daily basis," is credited with saving countless lives in Afghanistan by successfully defusing 64 Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the Taliban.

Military officers said in one 24-hour operation to clear one of the most dangerous routes in Afghanistan, Schmid found and successfully defused 31 roadside bombs.

Colleagues remember the man nicknamed "'Oz" as an inspiration to his team and someone full of knowledge but possessing charisma and a sense of humor.

　

(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)