Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2008, Private Dave Murray, Private Nathan Cuthbertson and Private Daniel Gamble, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), died in Afghanistan. They were on a routine foot patrol near Forward Operating Base Inkerman when they were killed by a suicide bomber.

Private Murray undertook specialist training as an Infantry Assault Engineer within a year of joining the battalion, a course usually reserved for soldiers of greater experience. His Platoon Commander said: "On patrol, Private Murray was a thoroughly focused and effective soldier who was mature beyond his years. Off patrol Murray was constantly entertaining and the origin of much of the platoon’s morale. I cannot begin to express how much he brought to the platoon; he will be sorely missed." Dave, from Carlisle, was 19 years old.

Private Cuthbertson had followed his father into the Parachute Regiment, leaving school at the age of 16 to sign up; he was serving as a Machine Gunner and Infantry Assault Engineer. He is remembered as always cheerful and could be relied upon to raise morale. His Company Commander praised him: "Private Cuthbertson was an incredibly popular member of the Company. A talented, motivated individual he always had a smile on his face and relished the challenges faced by the professional soldier. His humour and morale were infectious and he was widely liked and respected." Nathan, from Sunderland, was 19 years old.

Private Gamble was serving as a rifleman and Pashto linguist, and had gone forward to speak with a local Afghani when his platoon was attacked. From the many tributes paid: "He showed true grit and marked himself as a man with potential. Bright, determined and always positive, he completed the language course, motivated by his eagerness to get out to Afghanistan and make a difference. His positive approach, friendship and humour helped the others to stay focused and upbeat. His skill and charisma ensured that he was always at the forefront of any patrol, his enthusiasm for his chosen profession was both relentless and infectious." Daniel, from Uckfield, was 22 years old.