NI Soldier Repatriated

The bodies of two British soldiers, one a woman from Northern Ireland, who were killed while on duty in Afghanistan are to be repatriated.

Corporal Channing Day, 25, had served with the 3 Medical Regiment, while Corporal David O'Connor, 27 was with 40 Commando.

The two soldiers were overseeing the training of Afghan local police when they came under fire.

The two were fatally injured during the fight.

The MoD investigation has found they were not the victims of 'friendly fire', as initially thought. Investigations are continuing.

Their coffins will arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, draped in the union flag.

Private ceremonies for the two families will take place at the air base.

A cortege will then be escorted at walking pace on its way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Cpl Day was originally born in Swindon, Wiltshire, but grew up in Newtownards, Co Down. She joined the Army in 2005.

Her family said in a statement: "Channing was bubbly, sporty, beautiful and lived her life for the Army. She has died doing what she lived for and in the life that she loved."

A medic, Cpl Day was deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month and based at Patrol Base One in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

Royal Marine Cpl O'Connor was deployed to the country at the end of September. He was a section commander in the acting rank of corporal.

He served with Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, as part of Transition Support Unit Nahr-e Saraj.

A statement from the family said: "David's family and friends are greatly saddened by his loss and hope to be left to grieve privately."

(IT)