Two Warwickshire soldiers among three killed in Afghanistan blast
Aug 19 2009 By Laura May and Katie Hodge, Press Association
Three soldiers killed in a blast in Afghanistan ahead of this week's elections have been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Fusilier Louis Carter, from Nuneaton, Lance Corporal James Fullarton, from Coventry, and Fusilier Simon Annis, from Salford, were all members of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and died in an explosion near Sangin.
L/Cpl Fullarton, who was known as Fully to his friends, had got engaged to his girlfriend Leanne during his last leave and had been planning to marry next year.
Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, of Second Rifles Battlegroup, paid tribute, saying he was a "rock to his men".
L/Cpl Fullarton's parents, Janice and Peter, and his fiancee issued a statement which read: "James was an outstanding soldier who was so proud to serve his Queen and country. He touched so many around him and has left a void in our lives that will never be filled. A treasured son, brother, grandson, fiance, nephew, cousin and friend. Gone but never forgotten."
Fusilier Carter died while trying to save his fallen commander, Lance Corporal Fullarton.
His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, said: "Fusilier Louis Carter gave his young life just as he was embarking on his career with the Fusiliers.
"Thrown into to the thick of it right from the start he quickly became a key member of his platoon.
"He sacrificed his life attempting to save his section commander. This act of selfless commitment from one so young should be a shining example to the nation.
"His family have suffered a great loss and the heartfelt condolences of all fusiliers in Afghanistan go to his family at this tragic time."
Major Mick McCarthy, of the 2nd Battalion, said their deaths were a "devastating blow" following on from the deaths of two other soldiers within their company
He said: "Despite this, the fusiliers in A Company and across the Battalion remain steadfast and determined to continue to further improve the impressive reputation they have established."
Speaking from the battalion's base in Hounslow, west London, Maj McCarthy added: "All fusiliers in Afghanistan send their heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have given their lives, conscious of the immense sacrifices that have been made.
"Here in Hounslow there are many members of Second Fusiliers Rear Party who have very fond memories of our fallen comrades.
"Along with the battalion's families and the extended Fusilier family we offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and remain committed to supporting our soldiers forward in Afghanistan and their loved ones who face the daily challenge of an operational deployment."
Fusilier Annis married his wife Caroline in February this year, just weeks before he deployed to Afghanistan. She said: "Simon was the perfect husband, son and brother.
