Two Servicemen Killed By Afghan Police Named

Two British servicemen killed in Afghanistan by assailants wearing police uniforms have been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Corporal Brent John McCarthy, from the Royal Air Force, and Lance Corporal Lee Thomas Davies, from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, were shot dead last Saturday in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

They were serving as part of part of an advisory team, providing security for a meeting with local officials at a patrol base , the MoD said.

Their commanding officer was attending the meeting at the local Afghan Uniform Police headquarters near Patrol Base Attal when the pair were attacked.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond , said: "I send out my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Corporal Brent McCarthy and Lance Corporal Lee Davies whose lives were cut tragically short by a cowardly act of aggression.

"Both servicemen were performing an invaluable role, training and mentoring Afghan police, helping to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a place from which international terrorists can launch attacks on our society.

"Their sacrifice will not be in vain and we will never forget them."

Corporal McCarthy, 25, was born into a service family in Hannover, Germany and grew up in the Midlands before joining the RAF in 2008.

His family said: "Brent was a loving sensitive young man. He excelled at sport and had the whole world in front of him.

"He loved his family dearly and will always be a hero to his niece Miajay.

"Brent will be sadly missed not only by us but also by his loving partner Sarah and her devoted family. Life will never be the same for any of us. We will love you always. God bless."

Lance Corporal Davies, 27, was born in Carmarthen and joined the Army in 2009.

The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi, said: "Lance Corporal Lee Davies loved being a soldier - it was who he was.

"He was very much the up and coming junior non-commissioned officer, he had big plans and the personal qualities to make his ambitions a reality."

"He was the living embodiment of the Army's work hard, play hard ethos."