Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2011 Private Lewis Hendry, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, and Private Conrad Lewis, from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, were killed in Afghanistan. Based at Checkpoint Qudrat in the northern part of Nad ‘Ali district, they had been deployed as part of a foot patrol to gather census information in a small village north of the Nahr-e Bughra canal when their patrol came under fire. Both received fatal gunshot wounds.

Private Hendry joined the army in 2008, and his abilities earned him a nomination for service in the Patrols Platoon. He is remembered as dedicated and fearless, a young man of considerable charm and humour, popular and professional. His role in Afghanistan was as an intelligence specialist, and he intended to make a career in the regiment or Special Forces.

Lieutenant Colonel James Coates said: “Private Hendry had a real aptitude for soldiering and his military career would have taken him far. Everyone who met him was struck by his good nature and his consummate professionalism; he always made an impact. I last saw him several days before he died and he was thriving on the operational challenges in his patrol base. Held in high regard, he was always calm and collected, despite the constant threats in the area of operations. His courage was undisputed and his superb sense of humour made a real difference to everyday life in his patrol base. He has made a lasting contribution to his company’s task in Helmand and leaves behind a huge gap. Utrinque Paratus.”

Lewis, from Norwich, was 20 years old.

Private Conrad Lewis joined the Parachute Regiment in 2008 on a military gap year, then signed on for two more years so that he could serve in Afghanistan. He had decided to continue to serve and, like Private Hendry, he aspired to join the Special Forces. His father appears in this 4-minute tribute video: http://play.buto.tv/llbCY

Captain Hugo Deed said: “Private Lewis was hugely popular within the platoon, hardly surprising since he was such a charismatic person. He came to Machine Guns keen and willing to learn, and quickly developed into a very capable and confident machine gunner. Strong, bright and confident - he was doing extremely well in the platoon. He transitioned over to a Fire Support Group before the tour, meaning more specialist training and responsibility - he took this and more in his stride. I will always remember Private Lewis for his humour and ability to uplift those around him, something that would shine through on even the most miserable of training exercises! His loss is sorely felt, we will remember him.”

Conrad, from Warwickshire, was 22 years old.