Three UK soldiers killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan on Sunday have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

They were Pte Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, from Sunderland, Pte Daniel Gamble, 22, from Uckfield, East Sussex, and Pte Charles David Murray, 19, of Carlisle.

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The men's commanding officer has paid tribute to their "clear, cold courage".

'Lasting value'

In a statement, Lt Col Joe O'Sullivan, commanding officer of 2 Para, said: "They died doing their duty and doing their best, taking care with a potential threat, but also understanding the importance of connecting to the people around them.

"They knew the risks, and in facing them... they demonstrated the clear, cold courage which is the hallmark of their comrades and their regiment.

"We salute them as brave young men, but our thoughts are also with their families who bear the greatest burden of their loss."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said those who died had paid "the ultimate price" but he added that they had "achieved something of lasting value".

The men were on foot patrol near their Helmand Province base when they were killed. Another man was injured in the blast.

Pte Gamble's parents, who have not been named, said: "Dan died doing the job he was so proud to do, with the regiment he was so proud to be a part of.

'Big heart'

"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, he will be missed by so many people more than he would ever know."

Pte Murray, who was born in Dumfries but grew up in Carlisle, had "always dreamed of being a soldier", his family said.

In a statement, they said: "David always dreamed of being a soldier like his uncle, papa and grandad.

"He made us proud, every day, in everything he did. He was the little guy with a big heart, although he would never admit it.

"He had the biggest, cheekiest grin that we had ever seen and he always made us laugh with his cheeky way."

Pte Cuthbertson's best friend Pte Lee Cunliffe said: "I am truly sorry and gutted about what has happened to him out here, 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."

(BBC)

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