Troy, Fozzy and Mumbles - the three brave British soldiers killed by friendly fire

Privates James McClure, 19, Robert Foster, 19, and John Thrumble, 21, died when US pilots were scrambled during an ambush by Taliban fighters.

The trio from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were recovered by helicopter. Two other soldiers were severely wounded.

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Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Carver's tribute reflected the intense battles experienced in Helmand Province.

The Anglians, recruited from Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, are known as 'the Vikings'. They have endured one of the most arduous operational tours of any battalion in the British Army over recent years.

Nine soldiers from the Anglians have now been killed since their tour began in April. Lieutenant Colonel Carver said: "Private McClure was a veteran of over 40 engagements. It is tragic that where the Taliban had failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us.

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"As a junior soldier Private Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was highly respected. Private Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters within the battalion."

McClure from Ipswich, Foster from Harlow and Thrumble from Chelmsford were known as "Troy', "Fozzy' and "Mumbles'. Colleagues in 7 Platoon, B "Suffolk' Company, paid tribute to their humour, selflessness and pride.

The investigation into their deaths will focus upon radio communications between the British forces and the crew of two F-15 fighter bombers.

In an echo of the case of Lance Corporal Matty Hull - killed in Iraq in 2003 by an American air strike - US sources suggested any request for cockpit recordings to form part of any civilian inquest would be blocked.

Military experts also expressed concern after the Ministry of Defence conceded there was no liaison officer from the US Air Force present at the British headquarters when the tragedy occurred on Thursday.

The MoD was also unable to confirm whether 7 Platoon members were accompanied by a soldier trained in the role of Forward Air Controller. FACs are taught to communicate with pilots.

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