British Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Named

Two British soldiers killed in Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Rifleman Lieutanant Andrew Robert Chesterman, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, and Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith, from the Corps of Royal Engineers, were killed within 48 hours of each other in two separate incidents in Nad-e-Ali district in Helmand Province.

Lt Chesterman was commanding a vehicle patrol on Thursday when the lead carrier was struck by a roadside bomb.

The Ministry of Defence said that as Lt Chesterman moved forward to take control of the situation, insurgents opened fire and he was shot.

The 26-year-old of Guildford, Surrey, was taken to hospital in Camp Bastion but could not be saved.

Lance Corporal Smith, also 26, died  in action on Friday, while undertaking a construction task.

He was part of a troop tasked to build a new checkpoint next to the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal when he was hit by small arms fire.

The father-of-four, from Aldershot, Hampshire, received immediate first aid and was evacuated by helicopter, but died of his wounds.

Lance Corporal Smith's mother Caroline described him as a "hero" and "loving father".

Lt Chesterman's father, Paul Chesterman, said on Saturday that his family had lost "a fine young man", adding that they were "immensely proud" of him.

"We have lost a fine young man. It was readily apparent that Andrew gave himself fully and wholeheartedly to his career in 3 Rifles," Mr Chesterman said.

"Andrew was accomplished in many areas. He developed a skill to play both the trombone and piano, graduated with a Masters Degree in engineering, qualified as a Mountain Leader, enjoyed team yacht racing and was proficient on skis.

"His family are immensely proud of him and will carry him very dearly in their hearts."