TWO Colchester-based troops killed in action in Afghanistan were remembered at a memorial service yesterday.Captain James Philippson, 29, of 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, was killed in action on June 11 in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

By Sharon Asplin

TWO Colchester-based troops killed in action in Afghanistan were remembered at a memorial service yesterday.

Captain James Philippson, 29, of 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, was killed in action on June 11 in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was the first British soldier to die in the conflict when his patrol was involved in a firefight with the Taliban.

Captain Alex Eida, 29, from the same regiment, was killed in action on August 1 in Musa Qal'eh, Helmand Province - one of three soldiers killed by insurgents that day.

The regiment, based at Merville Barracks, held the memorial service to celebrate their lives at the Colchester Garrison Church. The families of both men attended.

Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond, said: “Whilst we celebrate the return of the regiment from a tremendously successful and rewarding operational tour in Afghanistan we are here today to remember two of our number who did not return.

“We pay tribute to Captain Alex Eida and Captain Jim Philippson, who were leading lights within the regiment and made a huge contribution to our achievements. As both friends and colleagues they enriched our lives and are sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with their families who are with us today and the families of all serving personnel that have been killed on operations around the world.”