AN ELITE commando, killed during a secret Afghanistan mission deep inside enemy territory, acted with “selfless bravery” in the moments before he was shot dead, an inquest heard.

Corporal Seth Stephens, a member of Hamworthy’s Special Boat Service, was shot in the head after scaling a nine foot wall to provide cover for his colleagues who were in danger of being cut to pieces by enemy fire while pinned down in an exposed orchard.

A later citation stated his decision to put himself in harm’s way “almost certainly saved the lives of his colleagues”.

Corporal Stephens’ actions came five hours into a fierce gun battle, that had exploded into life moments after a hand-picked combined force of allied troops and Afghan security forces touched down by helicopter in the vicinity of Haji Wakil, near Bahram Char, Helmand Province, last summer.

Corporal Stephens, a married father-of-two daughters, Heather and Molly, has since been recognised with a posthumous award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross – second only to the British military’s highest honour, the Victoria Cross.

The hero’s devoted wife, Karen, was present at the inquest into his death, which was held in Bournemouth yesterday.

During the brief hearing, details emerged of the cordon and search operation that was carried out in the early hours of July 1, 2010.

Corporal Stephens was the only allied fatality that day, although the unit did sustain other injuries.

A military source told the Daily Echo the mission had been a success, with a “significant” number of enemy killed.

Speaking at the inquest, Lt Col Freddie Kemp, a Parachute Regiment officer attached to the defence inquest unit, said: “Corporal Stephens was a widely experienced and respected member of his unit and was thoroughly involved with the initial scoping and planning of the operation.

“The force had been briefed to expect co-ordinated and determined response from the insurgents on moving from the landing zone.

“As the various groupings on the ground pursued their objectives, heavy fighting continued.”

Bournemouth coroner Sheriff Payne concluded Corporal Stephens was killed “unlawfully whilst on active service”.