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 08 September 2008 05:31 BST

Soldiers killed in Afghanistan named

Wednesday, 02 Aug 2006 18:41
Soldiers killed in Afghanistan named
Three British soldiers killed after fighting in Afghanistan's volatile southern province of Helmand have been named by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Captain Alex Aida of the Royal Horse Artillery, Second Lieutenant Ralph Johnson and Lance Corporal Ross Nicholls, both of the Household Cavalry Regiment, were killed after their vehicle patrol was attacked by Taliban militants armed with rocket propelled grenades and machineguns yesterday.

Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond, commanding officer of Cpt Eida from Surrey, honoured the 29-year-old's "real character and personality".

"We have lost a gifted young officer and friend who was a leading light of the unit and will be sadly missed. Most importantly our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this difficult time," he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Smyth-Osbourne, commanding officer to Lt Johnson, 24, and Cpl Nicholls, 27, from Windsor and Edinburgh respectively, paid tribute to both men.

"He [Lt Johnson] was brave, determined and thoroughly loyal to his soldiers and superiors. He excelled in training and quickly won the respect of the men who in turn showed absolute faith in his decisions and leadership. He was popular, quick-witted and hugely enthusiastic," Lt Cpl Smyth-Osbourne said.

Remembering Cpl Nicholls, who leaves behind a wife and two young children, Lt Col Smyth-Osbourne said: "He embraced life with the Household Cavalry with gusto and enthusiasm… and he established himself as a bright, professional and effective operator whose presence was a real asset to the squadron."

The MoD has expressed its "great sadness" at the three men's deaths and said that its thoughts and prayers are with all the soldiers' families and friends.

The incident came as a major blow to morale just a day after the British-led Nato forces officially took over from the US military in the south of Afghanistan.

Insurgency and drug-trafficking remains strong in the Taliban stronghold and there has been an increase in violence in the region in recent months.

Nine British troops have now been killed since UK forces moved into the south of the country in June.End of story


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