Are the rules of engagement the cause of this sorry tail? It is inevitable that any rules under which British troops go into battle will value the lives of others above theirs. Where are the strategies to deal with the bombers? To be able to boast restraint while losing good men is a hollow boast.

Malcolm Turner, Alsager, England

God bless the souls of these three brave young soldiers. They have no more battles to fight.

Cameron Gill, Bridgetown, Barbados

I couldn't agree more with the comments about our feral youth here in the UK.If only they could understand the sacrifices that are being made to give them the opportunities they have. If only they could understand the privileged society within which they live.The forces are vastly underappreciated.

Andrew, High Wycombe, UK

I have experience of working in Afghanistan as a contractor. British troops are a credit to NATO. Few contributing nations put their troops in the front line like this, or accept such losses. Will Gordon Brown now back up his rhetoric by providing British soldiers with the equipment they need?

Robin Hughes, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Helena don't make immature comments around this. Are you going to train these 'feral youths'? I mean you obviously know the score about whats happening at street level.

Our troops are brave (110%). One question though. What makes a decent young man? Think about what some have that others haven't.

Phil Nettle, Liverpool, UK

No one has yet said what the rules of engagement were.

Weaver, China,

God bless!!

chris, Nottingham, anon

Flights of angels lovely darling boys.
Why do we send our best while cosseting falsely brave thugs at home? Why don't MPS join the TAs and sent their sons to war. Why don't we as a civilian population make some real
meaningful sacrifice. It isn't right that heaviest burden falls on
a few.

Caroline, Hailsham, UK

I am so angry that this young man has died so that Tony Blair can play world statesman. Bring them home NOW!

julia, london,

God almighty...
Your sentence reminds me of a muslim cleric's pray.
Just condoliance would be ok.

Religion and Oil: the reason of this stupid war

Henry, Zeebrugge, Belgium

How sickening it is to see boys barely out of childhood being sent off to be slaughtered,in a controversial war.
Sure send career and experienced soldiers,but it seems the vast majority of deaths are very young adult men.They never got a chance to taste the miracle that is life.
Time to rethink!

james, London, uk

I find the use of "cannon fodder" for brave young men extreamly offensive.When I was a young soldier like those young men I was well trained and willing to do my duty.I most certainly did not think of myself as "fodder",I was well educated articulate and dedicated to my fellow Royal Marines.

Bob, Derby,

The youngsters, brave as they are, are cannon fodder - on both sides. Perhaps if Mr Blair had to go on patrol in some obscure part of Afghanistan he would have been less self-righteous in leading Britain into this interminable mess.

Bruce, Gloucester,

Its time to get out of that crap hole .
We shouldnt have gone there . Its a war we cannot win .
Even if we did win what have we gained ?
Fine young men dying to satisfy politicians egos.
Brian.

brian lee, medina, USA

This country is not worth a 100th fraction of the sacrifice being given by a brave soldiers at present !!!!

ian payne, walsall,

support the troops - send them home

florian, cologne,

God bless you all and your family.

john horton , canterbury,

In an age where lots of young people look to 'celebrities'... spoilt football 'stars' , bigheads and show-offs in an attempt to make it on programs such as Big Brother , isn't it marvellous that we have dedicated young men and women to show us what real heroes we have. Bravehearts.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

with no disrespect to this fine young man.
He will get nothing ,though he gave everything,
Pitty he was not a female and got yelled at by a battle stessed soldier, he would have gotten millions in compensation.
regards to the family.

Hawkeye, australia,

Excellent idea, Helena-except that might be infringing their human rights and then the 'do-gooders' would complain. We have enough claiming benefit and not working to send there too-if they are not working within 3 months-they should be sent to the front line to help out-if there were brave enough.

Jennifer Jarvis, Andover, Hampshire

i would just like to say my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those brave soldiers,and im vary sorry for my so called president for getting there sons involved in this unecessary quagmire.

paul, lansing,mi, U.S.A

Rest in peace lads, my thoughts for all of your families.

A Rayner, Huddersfield, UK

When I heard 3 soldiers died somehow I knew they were young. Very sad. My condlences to the family.

k, bielefeld, Germany.

Courageous, intelligent, decent young men.

Why not send the ferral youths carrying knifes etc, who repect no-one and nothing, to the front line. They obviously like fighting and must be very brave. They can walk in front of the patrols and take the full brunt, saving decent young men like these.

Helena Searcaigh , London, UK

If only the disenchanted youths on the streets of the UK took a pinch of the honour, courage, direction, and valour that these three men have shown, then surely this country would be in a much better state. My heart goes out to all of the families affected here. Stay strong in these hard times

Stephen, London, UK

Out of 6 million refugees in neighbouring countries - 5 million Aghans have been able to return to their homes in Afghanistan, since British troops have been there. Well done Armed forces! Well dome to their families supporting them.

Hugo van Randwyck, London, UK

From Holland:

As a former Dutch Officer in the rank of first lieutenant: All the respect for the British troops over there. We fought with them, and i can only say that they are marvellous!!!

For the family: God Almighty support you in hard times!

1LT Out of Service

Gert, almelo, Holland