Sacrifice will not be forgotten, pledges Minister

Corporal Terry Webster, 24, from Chester and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, 23, from St Asaph, North Wales died during a gun battle with Taliban soldiers in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand on Friday.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "I was deeply sorry to hear of the deaths of Corporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, who were both committed soldiers and proud to serve their country.

"It is clear from all accounts that Cpl Webster was a brave, enthusiastic and professional soldier who inspired those around him. Similarly, L/Cpl Cochran was courageous, selfless, and a respected junior commander who led from the front.

"My thoughts are with the families of both these young men, whose sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Both men were serving with 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment which was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup.

Father-of-two Cpl Webster had previously served in Northern Ireland and Iraq. His mother, stepfather and sister said in a statement that he was a "true hero".

His wife Charlotte said: "Tez was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Mercians but he was a family man at heart. He was a fantastic Dad to Jess and Liam and he was the perfect soul mate to me. Although this is a very sad time, Tez would want us to be positive. Remember the good times, the happy times. A lot of people's lives will be deeply affected by Tez's all too early departure. Life will never be the same for us."

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield said Cpl Webster was fatally wounded while leading his men.

He said: "Terry was totally committed to his profession and he was forging a strong career path: when others played football, he would put on his combats, boots and webbing and pound out the miles, encouraging others to come along with him.

"He died doing what he joined for and what he was so good at, leading his men in battle. Away from work, Terry will also be remembered for his great sense of humour and comradeship. He was a devoted father to Jessica and Liam, and talked endlessly about them. Our loss is as nothing compared to theirs, and our thoughts are with them, and all of his family and friends."

Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Strickland said he had shown "courage and determination on every single day", while Major Rich Grover described him as a "role model" who was "adored by his fellow soldiers".

L/Cpl Cochran's mother Shirley and his family said: "Alan was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved. We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grandson and brother. We are proud of the fact that Alan was prepared to do his duty helping the people of Afghanistan."

His fiancee, Claire Brookshaw, said: "He has been a great part of my life and always will be. Sadly missed but never forgotten."

Private Ian Brookshaw, brother of L/Cpl Cochran's fiancee, said: "I am proud you were going to be my brother-in-law and I am proud that I fought alongside you for four years. You died in the job you loved and helping another injured soldier. You're a kind-hearted man and you'll never be forgotten."

Lt Col Hadfield said he had recently been promoted to lance corporal and had willingly taken responsibility for the lives of his fellow men. He said: "A committed career soldier, Alan loved the Army and his friends within it, and was probably the most selfless of men, always looking out for others and helping them to give their best.His friends described him as having a heart of gold, being totally unselfish, and having the worst dress sense in the Battalion."

Major Grover said he would "break down a brick wall with his bare hands to help his mates".