MoD names British solider killed in Afghanistan blast

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the British solider killed in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Trooper Christopher Whiteside, of The Light Dragoons, was killed in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device near Gereshk, in Helmand province.

The 20-year-old had been taking part in Operation Panchai Palang (Panthers Claw) in clearing out Taliban strongholds.

Paying tribute his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gus Fair, said: "Trooper Whiteside had only been in the Regiment for a short time, but had established a reputation as an excellent soldier.

"Fit, robust and determined, he had all the qualities that mark out a soldier of considerable promise, and he was at the top of his peers. Norm had been tested in some of the most intense fighting ever experienced in Afghanistan for four days prior to his death and had never been found wanting.

"As part of the Fire Support Group, he had led 3rd Platoon from the front all day during fighting in the heat and demanding terrain. He will be remembered as a soldier at the top of his profession, who gave his all for his friends, and who has been cruelly taken from us."

Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth added: "I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Trooper Whiteside.

"He was a courageous soldier who fought back from injury to rejoin the Army and it is clear his fitness, determination and sense of humour was hugely admired by both his comrades and his commanders. Their thoughts, and mine, are with his grieving family at this difficult time."

The number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led invasion now stands at 176, with seven soldiers having been killed in the last week

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