Three Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Named
Three British soldiers from the same battalion who were killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Sunday have been named.They were Fusilier Simon Annis, Fusilier Louis Carter, and Lance Corporal James Fullarton, said the Ministry of Defence.All three were from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
They died in a blast while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand province.
The trio lost their lives ahead of this week’s presidential elections.
Their deaths took the number of British fatalities in Afghanistan to 204, since operations began in 2001.
Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth, said: “These three brave soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the security of all of us in the United Kingdom.
“Their deaths are truly heart rending and their families are in my thoughts; the loved ones they have lost are true heroes.”
Major Mick McCarthy, of the 2nd Battalion, said their deaths were a “devastating blow” following on from the deaths of two other soldiers within their company.
He said: “Despite this, the fusiliers in A Company and across the Battalion remain steadfast and determined to continue to further improve the impressive reputation they have established.”
Fusilier Carter died while trying to save his fallen commander, Lance Corporal Fullarton.
His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, said: “Fusilier Louis Carter gave his young life just as he was embarking on his career with the Fusiliers.
“Thrown into to the thick of it right from the start he quickly became a key member of his platoon.
“He sacrificed his life attempting to save his section commander. This act of selfless commitment from one so young should be a shining example to the nation.”
L/Cpl Fullarton, who was known as Fully to his friends, had got engaged to his girlfriend Leanne during his last leave and had been planning to marry next year.
Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, of Second Rifles Battlegroup, paid tribute, saying he was a “rock to his men”.
L/Cpl Fullarton’s parents, Janice and Peter, and his fiancee said: “James was an outstanding soldier who was so proud to serve his Queen and country.
“He touched so many around him and has left a void in our lives that will never be filled. A treasured son, brother, grandson, fiance, nephew, cousin and friend. Gone but never forgotten.”
Fusilier Annis married his wife Caroline in February this year, just weeks before he deployed to Afghanistan.
She said: “Simon was the perfect husband, son and brother. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
“He was a true hero who made all of us so very proud and he will always have a place in our hearts. We will love and miss him always.”
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