A SOLDIER from the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, based at Hounslow Barracks, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday.
Corporal Joseph Etchells died in a blast while on foot patrol near Sangin, in the northern Helmand province. He is the 17th British casualty in Afghanistan this month.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with extreme sadness that I must report the death of a brave soldier. He laid down his life for his country and the good people of Afghanistan. We grieve for his loss and join with his family and friends to mourn his passing."
The victim's family have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before the soldier is named.
The Fusiliers have been based at Hounslow Barracks, in Beavers Lane, Hounslow West since spring last year. They were deployed to Afghanistan in April this year.
