Warminster Soldiers Named
6 British servicemen killed in Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence.
From 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment based in Warminster:
- Corporal Jake Hartley, 20,
- Private Anthony Frampton, 20,
- Private Christopher Kershaw, 19,
- Private Daniel Wade, 20,
- Private Daniel Wilford, 21
From 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment:
- Sergeant Nigel Coupe, aged 33
Picture, from top left: Sergeant Nigel Coupe, Corporal Jake Hartley and Private Anthony Frampton. From bottom left: Private Christopher Kershaw, Private Daniel Wade and Private Daniel Wilford
All were based at Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, although Heart now understands Sergeant Coupe from the 1st Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's was on attachment here in Wiltshire.
The soldiers, who had only been in Afghanistan for a few weeks, were hit by a blast about 25 miles north of Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, at 6.30pm local time. (2pm UK time)
Ammunition on board the Warrior ignited, causing a fierce fire to burn for many hours.
The intensity of the blaze meant rescuers could not get near the vehicle, and its charred shell was only taken back to the main British base in Helmand, Camp Bastion, at 7.30pm last night local time.
The MoD said it did not plan to release further information about the six soldiers until they have been formally identified.
It is understood that this could take several days because experts are having to use DNA techniques to confirm their identities.
Forensic experts in Helmand are starting to pick over the wreckage of their armoured vehicle to see what explosives were used.
Six books of condolence have been opened for people to sign at St Lawrence Chapel in Warminster High Street.