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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK soldier killed in Afghanistan | UK soldier killed in Afghanistan |
| (about 14 hours later) | |
| A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. | A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. |
| The soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province during Monday afternoon. | The soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province during Monday afternoon. |
| His next of kin have been informed of his death, which brings the number of UK soldiers killed in the conflict since 2001 to 244. | His next of kin have been informed of his death, which brings the number of UK soldiers killed in the conflict since 2001 to 244. |
| A spokesman said: "His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten." | A spokesman said: "His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten." |
| Of the 244 deaths since the war began, 107 have happened in 2009 alone. | Of the 244 deaths since the war began, 107 have happened in 2009 alone. |
| During the Christmas period troops were given an extra hour of free phone calls home, on top of their normal 30 minutes' weekly allowance. | During the Christmas period troops were given an extra hour of free phone calls home, on top of their normal 30 minutes' weekly allowance. |
| Investigation | |
| However, Christmas Day saw many troops in Afghanistan carrying out their usual front-line patrols. | However, Christmas Day saw many troops in Afghanistan carrying out their usual front-line patrols. |
| Meanwhile, the bodies of three soldiers killed in Afghanistan - two in suspected "friendly fire" incidents - will be returned to Britain on Tuesday. | |
| L/Cpl Michael Pritchard, 22, of the 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, was killed as a result of "small arms fire" on 20 December in Sangin. | |
| L/Cpl Christopher Roney, 23, of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, died from wounds he received in a fire fight near Sangin on 21 December. | |
| Both deaths are under investigation and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said no firm conclusions would be drawn until after the men's inquests. | |
| The third body being flown to RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, is that of special forces soldier L/Cpl Tommy Brown, of the Parachute Regiment. He died as a result of a suspected improvised explosive device on 22 December in Sangin. | |
| A private ceremony will be held at the chapel at the RAF base before the cortege passes through the town of Wootton Bassett. |