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MoD names latest Afghanistan dead MoD names latest Afghanistan dead
(10 minutes later)
Three British soldiers killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Thursday have been named by the Ministry of Defence.Three British soldiers killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Thursday have been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, from Hartlepool, and Capt Mark Hale were serving with 2nd Battalion The Rifles.Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, from Hartlepool, and Capt Mark Hale were serving with 2nd Battalion The Rifles.
They died alongside Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand province. They died with Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, 23, of Easingwold, North Yorks, and the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery.
It brought the number of UK deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 to 199. Their deaths, on foot patrol near Sangin, Helmand, brought the number of UK fatalities in Afghanistan to 199.
July's death toll of 22 was the highest since the conflict began in October 2001.
Eight UK personnel have been killed this month as troops aim to shore up security ahead of Afghan elections on August 20.
'Fearless''Fearless'
Lt Col Rob Thomson MBE of the Rifles Battlegroup described Rifleman Wild as a "fearless" soldier who died while carrying a wounded friend to safety.Lt Col Rob Thomson MBE of the Rifles Battlegroup described Rifleman Wild as a "fearless" soldier who died while carrying a wounded friend to safety.
"He has been fearless and his platoon adored him for it."He has been fearless and his platoon adored him for it.
"He was smaller than most - smaller than everyone, if I am being honest - and when laden appeared to disappear under the extraordinary burden the boys all carry here."He was smaller than most - smaller than everyone, if I am being honest - and when laden appeared to disappear under the extraordinary burden the boys all carry here.
Lance Bombardier Hatton was among the three men killed on Thursday
"But Rifleman Wild carried his load lightly and was in no sense a 'small man'. In a land of metaphorical giants here in Sangin, he was as tall as any of them, perhaps more so.""But Rifleman Wild carried his load lightly and was in no sense a 'small man'. In a land of metaphorical giants here in Sangin, he was as tall as any of them, perhaps more so."
Lance Bombardier Hatton had wanted to be a soldier from a young age
In a family statement, the parents of Lance Bombardier Hatton - Jill and Philip - said he had wanted to be a soldier from a young age.
"He passionately enjoyed his job and often talked fondly about his colleagues and friends," it read.
"He was very brave and a credit to both us and the Army. We are really proud of him."
The Ministry of Defence has released no further details about Capt Hale.
The three soldiers were serving with the Rifles Battlegroup when they were killed.The three soldiers were serving with the Rifles Battlegroup when they were killed.
UK Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has described the incident as a "tragedy" which has brought closer the "sad milestone" of 200 deaths.UK Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has described the incident as a "tragedy" which has brought closer the "sad milestone" of 200 deaths.
The bodies of four British servicemen killed in Afghanistan had been returned to the UK on Thursday morning.The bodies of four British servicemen killed in Afghanistan had been returned to the UK on Thursday morning.