Fire death soldiers in Afghanistan named

Pte Wood, pictured left, and Pte Hutchinson were in the Royal Logistics Corps

Two British soldiers who died on Monday in a fire at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Early signs suggested Pte Robert Wood and Pte Dean Hutchinson, both of The Royal Logistic Corps, died after a domestic fire at the base in Helmand.

The cause is being investigated but it is not thought to be the result of enemy action, the MoD said.

The UK death toll since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 is 357.

Pte Wood, 28, known as "Woody", recently became a father to a boy, Noah.

He was a driver port operator, posted to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, and lived in Marchwood, Hampshire.

His parents and partner, Rebecca, said in a statement: "Rob was an adored and adoring son, partner, and father to his baby son. We are so immensely proud of him and he will live in our hearts forever."

Lt Col Simon Hutchings, commanding officer of the Theatre Logistic Group, paid tribute to Pte Wood, saying he had been on course for promotion.

"He had that innate ability to make friends easily, hugely popular and fiercely proud of being a port operator - he was making a difference on a daily basis," he said.

'Amazing son'

He also paid tribute to 23-year-old Pte Hutchinson, a driver in the corps for seven years, who had a "zest for life".

Pte Hutchinson, from County Durham, was described as an energetic soldier with an infectious sense of humour.

"As a Geordie, he was an immensely fun-loving person, fast talking and an avid Newcastle United football fan," he said.

"He was hugely proud of his job and the fact that he was one of only a handful of soldiers qualified to operate the rough terrain container handler, a vital piece of equipment in the logistic support chain."

In a statement, his family said Dean was an "amazing son, brother and boyfriend".

"We were so proud of him when he joined the Army, as were his family and friends, all of whom loved him very much."

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "These men worked hard to provide the vital logistic support that makes military operations in Afghanistan possible; both were rightfully proud of the part that they played in protecting our national security.

"I offer my sincere condolences to their families and loved ones, and to those who served alongside them in the Theatre Logistic Group."

L/Cpl Kyle Cleet Marshall, of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, died in Afghanistan on the same day as the two killed at Camp Bastion.

The 23-year-old, from Newcastle upon Tyne, was caught up in a roadside bomb blast in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.