A SOLDIER killed in Afghanistan was named as Rifleman Stuart Nash.

Rifleman Nash, from the 1st Battalion The Rifles, died of injuries he suffered when he was hit by enemy fire in southern Helmand on Wednesday.

He was an Australian national, based at Beechley Barracks, Chepstow and his family live in Australia.

His parents, Bill and Amanda Nash, said: "We are shattered, of course, by the news but Stuart was doing what he most wanted to do in life, having harboured a wish for a military career since joining the cadets at the age of 13.

"He went to the UK to join up to get a better opportunity to do real soldiering, which he has done, if only briefly.

"He was a willing volunteer; our soldiers have chosen their profession and we are, and will remain, proud of their willingness to make these sacrifices for the security of all of us who remain at home.’’ An MoD spokesman said Rifleman Nash was taking part in an operation against enemy forces in the district of Nad-e-Ali.

He received immediate medical care at the scene and was taken by helicopter to the military hospital at Camp Bastion for further treatment but died of his injuries.