More heartbreak for families as two British soldiers die in blast

Their deaths, while on patrol in Helmand Province, were announced by the Ministry of Defence as friends and relatives paid tribute to Lance Corporal Peter Eustace, 25, who was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The news also came as the body of Territorial Army soldier Private Matthew Thornton, from Barnsley, who was killed in a bomb blast in the province last week, was repatriated to the UK.

The two soldiers, from the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, had been providing security in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj when they were caught in the explosion.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie said: “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of both these brave soldiers at this very difficult time.”

Their next of kin were informed as the grieving family of L/Cpl Eustace, from Liverpool, spoke of their loss.

His mother Carol, sister Kirsty, brother Ryan and girlfriend Aimi said: “Peter was very fit and he always wanted to join the Army. He was committed to carrying out a full career there. He will be missed by his family and friends and is loved by all.”

The soldier, of 2nd Battalion the Rifles, was hailed by his commanding officer as “one of those men you can completely rely on when things get tough”.

L/Cpl Eustace, from Liverpool, served hard-fought tours in Basra and in the deadly Sangin district of northern Helmand. He returned to Afghanistan last month with 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.

The body of Pte Thornton was flown to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire where about 200 people gathered at a memorial garden near the air base to pay their respects.

The 28-year-old, who had re-enlisted in the Territorial Army to serve in Afghanistan, was killed on November 9.

The death toll of British troops since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 is now 388.