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Sunderland para died a hero
A heroic Sunderland soldier was following in his father's footsteps when he was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.
Private Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, of Sunderland, was one of three young paratroopers who were killed in Sunday's attack, which brought the total number of British troops killed in the war-torn country up to 100.
Pte Nathan Cuthbertson
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- Sombre mood at former school.
Last night, Pte Cuthbertson, who attended Pennywell and St Aidan's schools, was described by his colleagues as an excellent soldier and a "mega bloke" as tributes flooded in for the popular soldier.
In a statement, his parents Tom and Carla said: "He died a hero, doing a job he loved amongst his friends. Nathan had a real passion for life – he always had a smile and was quick to make friends.
"A dearly-loved and devoted son, brother, grandson and friend to all who had the privilege of meeting him, his death will leave a massive hole in all of our lives. We will not forget him.
"Nathan realised his childhood dream by following his dad's footsteps and joining the Parachute Regiment as a machine gunner."
Best pal Private Lee Cunliffe added: "He was always up for a laugh. I am truly sorry and gutted about what has happened to him out here, I have lost my best friend.
"He was an excellent soldier and man. I will never forget him and the good times we had together."
Pte Cuthbertson was killed, along with colleagues Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles David Murray, of 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive devise as they were on foot patrol returning to their Helmond Province base.
Lance Corporal Alan Farmer, second in command of Pte Cuthbertson's regiment, said: "Nathan was a tremendous character within the section. He always worked hard for everyone and was an essential part of the platoon.
"He never complained and always did everything to the best of his ability. Put simply – he was a mega bloke."
Pte Cuthbertson had been fast-tracked since signing up to a military career at just 16.
After initially training with the Parachute Regiment, he moved on to the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed his basic training.
He joined 2nd Battalion in December 2006 and, in under a year, passed the infantry assault engineers course, usually reserved for more experienced soldiers.
During pre-deployment training and deployment to Afghanistan, he again excelled operating the platoon's specialist weapon, the general purpose machine gun.
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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