Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Named

Two British soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan trying to rescue a wounded colleague have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Corporal Matthew James Stenton, 23, from the Royal Dragoon Guards and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, 28, from 1st Battalion Scots Guards were killed in Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on Wednesday evening.

Born in Wakefield, Cpl Stenton joined the Army on leaving school and joined the Royal Dragoon Guards on completion of Phase 2 training in May 2004. He leaves behind his father and stepmother Michael and Gillian and his sister Charlotte. His family issued a statement which said: "A loving son, brother and grandson who will be dearly missed. Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in his life his family and friends.

"Matthew died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends. We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades."

Lance Corporal Monkhouse was born in Greenock, Scotland, and lived with his mother Linda Watt. He had one son, Brandon, and a younger brother, Allan, and two younger sisters, Ashleigh and Stacey.

He began his Army training in December 2003 and joined the 1st Battalion Scots Guards in Germany in 2004. His family paid tribute to him: "Although Stephen died in very tragic circumstances, it is comforting to know that he died doing a job he loved - being a soldier. He loved the Army and the Scots Guards.

"He died trying to help save another life, that sums Stephen up. He loved life and lived it to the full and his memory will live on with us and his friends forever."

(KMcA)