Two more Paras die in Afghanistan as regiment suffers worst week of casualties since Falklands War

Yesterday's deaths in Afghanistan of the two soldiers bring the total number of fatalities suffered by the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, to five this week alone.

On Sunday, three soldiers serving with the regiment died in a suicide attack in southern Afghanistan.

Toll: The Parachute Regement has lost five soldiers this week - the biggest loss since the Falklands War

The deaths have rocked the regiment's garrison town of Colchester, Essex, with the town's MP describing the latest losses as "absolutely devastating".

Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester, Bob Russell said: "This is absolutely desperate news, it's devastating.

"We in Colchester have tremendous pride in our soldiers, we regard them as our own soldiers despite them coming from different areas of the country.

"Of course our thoughts go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones."

The "Paras" are an elite force set up by the British Army at the request of Winston Churchill.

The airborne infantry element of the Army, the regiment formed during the Second World War.

Designed as shock troops, they were dropped behind German front lines to capture key positions and then hold them until the rest of the invasion force could link up with them.

Heroes: (L-R) Private Charles David Murray, Private Nathan Cuthbertson and Private Daniel Gamble died earlier this week

The Parachute Regiment further distinguished itself during the 1982 Falklands conflict, where they fought and won several key battles.

However, 39 died helping to restore British sovereignty to the island.

The Paras found fame for their efforts during Operation Overlord in Normandy, France in June 1944.

The airborne troops were given the task of securing the flanks of the landing beaches in Normandy.

Other notable contributions include Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in September of the same year.

Airborne troops were dropped 100 miles behind the German front lines in an attempt to create a path across the Netherlands including the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem.

Victory: Paras with Argentine 105mm howitzer at Port Stanley Racecourse on June 15, 1982

Mr Russell said that the soldiers had not died in vain.

He explained: "I have been with the chairman of the Helmand Provincial Council in Parliament.

"He expressed condolences for the three soldiers from the regiment who died earlier this week and wanted people in this country to know that the vast majority in Afghanistan value what our troops are doing.

"And without them the Afghan people would not get their own independent army or police force.

"And the only future they have is to rid Afghanistan of the Taliban."

Mr Russell added that more European countries needed to send troops into Afghanistan.

He said: "I don't want a British troop withdrawal, but the rest of the civilised world is not doing all it should.

"Only Denmark, Holland, the Czech Republic and Estonia have troops there.

"Where are France, Germany, Italy and Spain? We can't expect Britain to take the brunt for Europe."

Major Aidan Coogan, the Parachute Regiment's adjutant, paid tribute today to the two soldiers killed yesterday.

"At this time, our fullest thoughts and prayers are with the families and the colleagues of those killed," he said.

"2 Para are a professional, highly-motivated, well-trained battalion, who continue to show dedication and commitment.

"Their response to events at the weekend, when three Paratroopers were killed, have been to continue operations and show determination in completion of their mission.
"That determination remains in the light of events yesterday."

Maj Coogan said he felt "great sadness and regret" that he had to pay tribute to two more dead colleagues a few days after three Paratroopers were killed by a suicide bomber.

He added: "It has come as no surprise at the amount of support that has been received from the regimental family, past and present, throughout the United Kingdom.

"It is therefore with immense pride that I am able to pay tribute to all members of the regiment whose courage, selflessness and steadfastness is a credit to the Army and this country."

The Prince of Wales meanwhile met soldiers recently returned from Afghanistan.

Charles presented campaign medals to Paratroopers who spent a year providing helicopter support to troops battling the Taliban in Helmand Province.

The visit to a military base in Wattisham, Suffolk, came as the number of British soldiers killed in the conflict reached 102.

It is the first time a member of the Royal Family has met members of the Armed Forces since five members of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, were killed.

Earlier this year, Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment, bade farewell to Paratroopers from the battalion before they left their base in Colchester, Essex.

Dressed in military uniform with a pale blue beret, Charles spoke to many of the 176 servicemen and women as he presented them with their medals.