Coroner hails bravery of bomb blast soldier

Serjeant Jaime Moncho, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, gave evidence at an inquest into the deaths where it was announced he had been awarded a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

The inquest heard how Rfn Backhouse, 18, was killed instantly in a blast while on a patrol in Afghanistan's Helmand Province last July.

As well as Rfn Backhouse, Corporal Jonathan "Jay" Horne, 28, from Walsall; Rifleman William Aldridge, 18, from Bromyard, Herefordshire; Rifleman Joseph Murphy, 18, from Castle Bromwich, West Midlands and Rifleman Daniel Simpson, 20, from Croydon, south London all died in the attack.

Rfn Aldridge, Rfn Backhouse and Rfn Simpson were hit in the first Taliban blast which killed Rfn Backhouse.

Cpl Horne and Rfn Murphy went to their aid after the explosion. Rfn Murphy was carrying Rfn Simpson when they were killed by a second blast.

The inquest at Wiltshire Coroner's Court heard Sjt Moncho braved enemy fire to help his fallen comrades and organise an evacuation of the injured.

Coroner David Ridley praised the speed with which he took control of the situation and began treating casualties. He recorded verdicts of unlawful killing in the case of every soldier.