Tributes paid to Afghan blast trio

Private Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, from Sunderland, Private Daniel Gamble, 22, from Uckfield, East Sussex, and Private Charles Murray, 19, born in Dumfries, were from 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (2 Para).

They were were fatally injured when a lone militant detonated an explosive device as their routine foot patrol was returning to base in the Upper Sangin Valley in the volatile Helmand province. Their deaths take the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 100.

Pte Cuthbertson was serving as a machine gunner and infantry assault engineer, while Pte Gamble was serving as a rifleman and Pashtu linguist, and Pte Murray, who grew up in Carlisle, was a rifleman and assault engineer.

Both Pte Murray and Pte Cuthbertson began their military careers at the earliest opportunity at the age of 16 following a family tradition of joining the Forces.

Tom and Carla Cuthbertson, parents of Pte Cuthbertson, said: "Nathan realised his childhood dream by following his dad's footsteps and joining the Parachute Regiment as a machine gunner. He died a hero, doing a job he loved, amongst his friends."

Pte Murray's family said: "David always dreamed of being a soldier like his uncle, papa and grandad. He made us proud, every day, in everything he did."

Pte Gamble's parents, Georgina and Paul, said their son had died doing the job "he was proud to do", adding: "He was special because he had trained in the Afghan Pashtu language. He was special to his family and friends - a true hero in every sense."

Four men were injured in Sunday's attack and evacuated to Camp Bastion. One was pronounced dead on arrival, and the other two died from their wounds. The fourth soldier is expected to make a good recovery.

In a statement, the commanding officer of 2 Para, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O'Sullivan said the men had died "doing their duty and doing their best" and had demonstrated the "clear, cold courage which is the hallmark of their comrades and their regiment".