North soldiers in 100th death blast

Jun 10 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

TWO NORTH soldiers were last night named among those killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan that took the total number of British troops killed in the country to 100.

Private Nathan Cuthbertson, from Sunderland, and Private Charles David Murray, from Carlisle, were fatally injured when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive device as their routine foot patrol was returning to base.

Four soldiers were injured in Sunday’s attack in the Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand Province and evacuated to Camp Bastion for treatment.

One was pronounced dead on arrival and, despite medics’ efforts, another two died from their wounds. The fourth soldier is expected to make a good recovery.

Pte Cuthbertson, 19, was serving as a machine gunner and infantry assault engineer while Pte Murray, 19, was serving as a rifleman and assault engineer. They had been in Afghanistan for two months. Pte Cuthbertson excelled as a soldier and was hugely proud after being promoted to section gunner for his platoon in Afghanistan, friends and colleagues said.

His parents, Tom and Carla, 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.”

Private Lee Cunliffe, his best friend, said: “He was always up for a laugh. I am truly sorry and gutted about what has happened, I have lost my best friend.

“He was an excellent soldier and man. I will never forget him and the good times we had together.”

Lance Corporal Alan Farmer, second in command of Pte Cuthbertson’s regiment, said: “Nathe was a tremendous character. He always worked hard for everyone and was an essential part of the platoon.

“He never complained and always did everything to the best of his ability. Put simply, he was a mega bloke.”

Pte Cuthbertson had been fast-tracked since beginning his military career at 16.

After initially training with the Parachute Regiment, he moved on to the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed his basic training.

He joined 2nd Battalion in December 2006 and, in under a year, passed the infantry assault engineers course, usually reserved for more experienced soldiers.

His company commander, Major Russell Lewis, said: “Pte Cuthbertson was an incredibly popular member of the company. A talented, motivated individual, he always had a smile on his face and relished the challenges faced by the professional soldier. His humour and morale were infectious and he was widely liked and respected.”