SOLDIERS from Colchester who died in a firefight have been identified.

They are Private Lewis Hendry from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, who was killed just three days before his 21st birthday, and 22-year-old Private Conrad Lewis, from 4 Para, who was attached to 3 Para at the time.

They were both killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan.

Pte Hendry was three days away from his 21st birthday.

He grew up in Dereham, Norfolk before joining the Army in 2008.

His family said: “Words can't describe how much he will be missed. He was not only a soldier, a son, brother and grandson, but a friend to all.

Pte Lewis, from Bournemouth, has been praised for his diligence and bravery.

Lt Col John Boyd, Commanding Officer, 4 Para, said: “Pte Lewis demonstrated the very finest of British society; he was a man who volunteered to serve his country and his fiercely proud regiment.

“It takes a special sort of individual to join the Parachute Regiment; it takes an exceptional individual to deploy on operations and for that he will always be remembered.”

Five soldiers based at Colchester Garrison have died in 16 Air Assault Brigade’s latest tour, which started in September last year and ends in May this year.

Full tributes in Monday's Gazette.