Afghan road crash soldiers named

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman of 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment and Private Brian Tunnicliffe of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) were killed when their vehicle came off the road in Gereshk, Helmand province, at around 3am on Thursday.

The deaths take the number of British military fatalities in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 to 81.

The MoD said the soldiers were conducting an essential re-supply. They were travelling as part of a two vehicle "replenishment patrol".

The vehicle overturned and landed on its roof in an irrigation channel. One other passenger escaped without injury.

The men were on a mission to resupply troops taking part in Operation Palk Wahel. Around 2,500 soldiers are taking part in the operation aimed at forcing the Taliban out of the upper Gereshk valley.

Colour Sergeant Newman, 36, enlisted into the Territorial Army (TA) in Coventry in 1994 as a member of the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, later to become the West Midlands Regiment, and, as of September 1 this year, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

He went to Afghanistan previously, and also to Iraq, in support of the regular Army. An MoD spokesman said: "Due to his natural talent and hard work, he rose quickly through the ranks and became a formidable Colour Sergeant who was an outstanding model for the current-day Territorial Army soldier." He leaves wife Stephanie and children Mackenzie, Josh and Tia.

Pte Tunnicliffe, 33, from Ilkeston, was enlisted into the Army in Derby and began his training at the Army Training Regiment, Lichfield, followed by the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, in January 1997. He served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Belize and Kenya.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said: "Private 'Tunny' Tunnicliffe ... would always go the extra mile, ensuring those around him were looked after, whether it be his company commander or the soldiers in the company." His wife Lindsey said: "Beloved husband and best friend. Loved the Army, always reliable and the worst cook in the world. We'll miss you 'Tunni'."