THE death toll in Afghanistan has risen yet again with three more brave Rifles killed last week – the youngest being 21 year-old Jamie Gunn of Monmouth.

An explosion took the lives of Corporal Tom Gaden, Lance Corporal Paul Upton and Rifleman Jamie Gunn of 1st Battalion The Rifles while they were on patrol in Helmand province on Wednesday, February 25. The soldiers died from their wounds.

The youngest of the victims, Rifleman Jamie Gunn, 21, grew up in Monmouth and is understood to be a former pupil of Berry Hill Primary School.

His mother Janet, father Mervyn and sister Jessica of Monmouth say they are proud of his ambition.

A statement released by the family said: "Jamie's proudest desire was that he wanted to shine in life. He was a funny, popular lad who loved his mates and the girls but most of all we are so proud of our son, brother and grandson who will always shine in our hearts forever."

Jamie joined up at the age of 20 and was posted to the Rifles in May 2008 after he finished his training.

Captain Rich Camp, team commander said: "Rifleman Jamie Gunn (Gunny) joined my team fresh out of training and quickly established himself as a key member of it, deploying with OMLT 9 to Afghanistan in September 2008.

"Working in a difficult environment where maturity is critical, he impressed all who had the pleasure to work with him.

"He was immensely popular; ever smiling and always willing to laugh whatever the situation. Physically and mentally strong, Gunny worked tirelessly alongside his team-mates – no job was ever too big and he was never too tired to 'crack on' and get something sorted if it needed doing.

"He was often to be found at the centre of the banter, giving easily as good as he got, passing the time with the many close friends he had around him.

"He retained a cool head regardless of the situation throughout the tour, something of great credit to a man of his age.

"He learned and understood his core business remarkably quickly and had clear aspirations for life in the Regiment after Afghanistan; I have no doubt that he would have thrived in the Rifles."

Corporal Gaden, 24, served in Cyprus and Iraq before being posted to Afghanistan just after Christmas.

He was well-known for his strong faith and deep sense of duty and was selected for the technically complex skills of close quarter battle.

Major Jonathan (Jonny) Kitson, Officer Commanding E Company, 1 Rifles said: "I had the uncomfortable duty of welcoming Corporal Gaden into the Company on the same day as I had to task him for a four month tour of Iraq.

"He took the news in a manner befitting his calm and professional reputation. His only concern was that he should be able to get back to E Company as quickly as possible, which he did in January of this year.

"He had an immediate impact on his team, galvanising the Riflemen's efforts and surging forward with a passion for the task at hand.

"He showed a significant degree of care and compassion for his Rifleman, no doubt emanating from the strong faith that he held at the centre of his life. The company mourns a great leader and a firm friend."

Lance Corporal Paul 'Uppers' Upton, 31, left the Army in 2000 to pursue other interests, although he was deployed as a reservist to Kosovo with the First Battalion the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

He re-enlisted in December 2207 and was posted to the 1 Rifles with his brother Leon, in time to train for the posting to Afghanistan.

Captain Rich Camp, team commander said: "Acting Lance Corporal Paul Upton (Uppers) joined my team at the very start of pre-deployment training and brought far more than his rank would suggest.

"He was mature and caring, treating everyone he met with kindness and respect. In terms of professionalism, he was consummate.

"His years of experience were of significant benefit to us all, and counted for a great deal on the ground. He always had time to chat to the lads and was the centre of a lot of morale in the team.

"Uppers was a keen and talented artist who spent a lot of his spare time with his sketch book.

"Uppers was a genuinely kind person with time for anyone who needed it – one of life's true gentlemen. His talk was often of his boy and brother, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family who will be feeling this terrible loss the most.

"It was a true honour to serve with him, and he is sorely missed as a close friend by the whole team."

Review reader Diane Orchard has appealed for more local recognition for Beachley soldiers lost in action.

She writes: "These boys and girls are doing a very hard job, and after speaking to the brother of one of the soldiers killed, I learnt that they truly believe that they are just a statistic and not many people look at their death as anything else.

"This is so very wrong – we are very proud of them and we are so deeply saddened by each and everyone who loses their lives, for what seems to be a pointless war, someone else's war, a drugs war."