MoD says Terry Webster and Alan Cochran were killed in firefight with insurgents while on patrol in Helmand province
Adam Gabbatt
Two British soldiers killed in an exchange of fire in Afghanistan on Friday have been named today as Corporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran.
The men were on foot patrol in Helmand province when they were shot at by insurgent forces. Both Cochran and Webster were of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, and were attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup.
"It was during a foot patrol aimed at dominating the ground around a known enemy movement corridor that Lance Corporal Alan Cochran was killed in action during an exchange of fire with insurgent forces," the MoD said in a statement.
"Corporal Terry Webster was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite immediate first aid, he later died of his injuries in the medical facility at Kandahar".
Cochran, 23, who was born in St Asaph, north Wales, and had served in the army since 2006, was described by his commanding officer today as "the most selfless of men".
"A committed career soldier, Alan loved the army and his friends within it, and was probably the most selfless of men, always looking out for others and helping them to give their best," said Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield.
