MoD Names Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

The two British soldiers who were killed by a rocket attack in southern Afghanistan on Saturday were today named by the Ministry of Defence.

The men - who were friends and colleagues - were Lance Bombardier Ross Clark, 25, and Lance Bombardier Liam McLaughlin, 21.

Both served with the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and were described by the MoD as capable and "very professional" soldiers.

They were killed during an attack in Sangin, a drug-producing corner of Helmand province which has been the scene of some the fiercest fighting between the Taliban and British forces. Their deaths bring the number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 50, of whom 28 were killed in action.

L/Bdr Clark was described by the MoD today as an "exceptionally gifted" soldier who had "proved his mettle operations" in Afghanistan, Iraq and on exercises.

He was born in Zimbabwe and was brought up in South Africa before joining the British army in April 2002. After passing the commando course in March 2003, he was sent directly to take part in the US-led invasion of Iraq.

In November 2004, he was posted to 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery Royal Artillery and was deployed in Afghanistan in September 2006.

L/Bdr Clark was an accomplished triathlete who was described as being "generous in spirit" and saw his time in the British forces as a way of exploring another part of the world.

L/Bdr McLaughlin, known as "Paddy" to colleagues, was described as a "versatile and highly effective soldier on operations" who was "cheerful, selfless and profoundly loyal".

He was brought up in Lancashire and enlisted in the army in September 2002, joining 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in November 2003.

L/Bdr McLaughlin spent a brief period at the regiment's headquarters in Plymouth before moving to 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery Royal Artillery, a detached sub-unit based in Poole, Dorset, in November 2004. He was deployed to Afghanistan in September last year at the same time as L/Bdr Clark.

The soldiers' commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Wilson, said: "Paddy was a real character, that rare combination of natural verve and determined professionalism that is an absolute pleasure to be around.

Saturday's deaths came less than a week after the defence secretary, Des Browne, announced more British troops would be sent to Afghanistan. The increase in troop numbers by 1,400 to more than 7,000 - more than the number in Iraq - anticipates an escalation of violence by the Taliban over the coming months.

In a statement today, Mr Browne, said: "I was greatly saddened to hear about the deaths of L/Bdr Ross Clark and L/Bdr Paddy McLaughlin in Afghanistan on Saturday.

"By all accounts, they were clearly very professional, capable soldiers who were greatly respected by those who worked with them. My thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time."