The soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion believed to have been caused by a rocket-propelled grenade when they were attacked by insurgents whilst patrolling on foot in Babaji district, Helmand province, on the morning of Monday 31 August 2009.

Private Kevin ElliottPrivate Kevin Elliott, aged 24 from Dundee, of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, attended Braeview Academy in Dundee where he was a keen boxer and footballer. He joined the Army in 2002.

After basic training he was posted to Bravo Company, later moving to Charlie (Fire Support) Company. He had previously served in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

Private Elliott’s family said:

“Kevin was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and cousin who will be sorely missed by the whole family.”

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, Commanding Officer, 3 SCOTS, said:

“Pte Elliott was an awesome fighting Jock, who was very much in his comfort zone here on demanding operations in Afghanistan. He lived his life one day at a time and it is fair to say that he did not especially enjoy ‘peacetime soldiering’ – like many a Jock that has gone before, he was a lovable rogue.

“He was on the verge of leaving the Army earlier this year, but his inclination to be in the thick of the action was too tempting and he caught the last transport to Afghanistan with his mates. He loved operations and he was a big team player.

“It was no surprise to hear that in this tragic incident he was the first man on the roof in the defensive position, the first to volunteer to protect his colleagues in a dangerous area. That sums up the man; he took life seriously when it was important to do so, and he was a first class field soldier as a result. He would never let his friends down.

“Pte Elliott’s loss will be hard to accept by all who knew him well. We will not forget his sacrifice, giving his life protecting his friends, representing his regiment and his country, and so that the people of Afghanistan might have a better future.

“We offer our deepest thoughts and condolences to his family and friends and that they might gain some strength that he has died in the service of others, doing a professional job that he loved.”

Captain Harry Gladstone, Fire Support Group Commander, said:

“Pte Kev Elliott was a unique soldier. He was excellent in the field and had a brilliant sense of humour. He was naturally fit and most importantly he was very loyal to his friends. Pte Elliott died in tragic circumstances doing what he loved.

“We will not forget his sacrifice, giving his life protecting his friends, representing his regiment and his country, and so that the people of Afghanistan might have a better future.”

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, Commanding Officer, 3 SCOTS

“I remember talking to him shortly before we left Inverness to deploy to Afghanistan in March. He was dressed in his civilian clothes, having been de-kitted, and about to walk out of Fort George back to civilian life when he decided to sign back on. When asked why he decided to sign back on he simply said ‘I didn’t want to miss the boys’. This comment sums up his attitude to the Army.

“My last memory of him is seeing him overjoyed having heard that he had been chosen to go as part of a Javelin Detachment to support A Company, rather than sitting in camp.

“The guy loved having fun, and lived life to the full. He leaves two brothers Craig and Thomas, and his two sisters Natasha and Kirsty. Our thoughts are also with his mum Maggie and his grandmother Margaret. We remember him for his sense of humour and all that he contributed to battalion life.”

“He was hilarious, confident, loyal, and above all charming. His loss will leave a big hole in the platoon.”Private Peter Fenton, Fire Support Group gunner

Warrant Officer Class Two Andy Lambert, Company Sergeant Major, Charlie (Fire Support) Company, said:

“Pte Elliott was every Company Sergeant Major’s nightmare in camp but a great soldier in the field on operations. Kev was partial to the odd beer or two in the UK and had an eye for the girls.

“Rest in Peace Kev, you have gone but will never be forgotten by the boys of Charlie Company.”

Private Peter Fenton, Fire Support Group gunner, said:

“Kev was cheeky but you couldn’t get annoyed with him. He was always able to get a laugh in any situation. He would bend over backwards to make sure everyone was all right.

“He was hilarious, confident, loyal, and above all charming. His loss will leave a big hole in the platoon.”

Private Kyle Russell, Fire Support Group gunner, said:

“A story typical of Kev was on having a room inspection in Fort George, the Platoon Sergeant opened the fridge to see it full of beer. He told Kev to get rid of it; Kev proceeded to drink the contents of the fridge in front of him and continued for the rest of the night.

“Kev was kind and generous – he lived for the moment. If you asked for a fag, he threw you a packet of twenty. He was a terrible singer but my fondest memory of him was sitting in the back of a vehicle screaming out the words to ‘I got you babe’ at the top of his voice.”

Lance Corporal Ian Bruce, Fire Support Group gunner, said:

“Kev was a poser – he loved his body – but underneath he cared deeply about the other people in the platoon. He would try and wind people up but you couldn’t get annoyed with him, he was too nice. He wanted to be active the entire time.

“He loved being in Afghanistan and had booked a holiday to Australia for our return. He also wanted a pair of white socks to walk down Dundee High Street pulling the birds! We will all miss him badly.

“NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT.”

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:

“It was with deep regret that I learned of the deaths of Sergeant Stuart Millar and Private Kevin Elliot; their loss will be felt by all who knew them.

“Listening to those who knew him, Sergeant Millar was an inspirational leader to his men as well as a loving and dedicated father. His wealth of experience and strength of character will be sorely missed by the Army and all who served with him.

“Private Elliott was a brave soldier who lost his life while defending his colleagues. Those who served alongside him described him as a fun-loving and outgoing young man who thrived on the excitement and adventure of soldiering.

“The loss of both of these fine soldiers is a grave loss to the Army and my thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this difficult time.”