Special tributes to fallen Fylde troops

The lives of two hero soldiers killed while fighting in Afghanistan will be remembered with special commemorative tributes.
The National Memorial Arboretum at Lichfield, Staffordshire, recognises all the British soldiers who have fought and died in wars fighting for their countryThe National Memorial Arboretum at Lichfield, Staffordshire, recognises all the British soldiers who have fought and died in wars fighting for their country
The National Memorial Arboretum at Lichfield, Staffordshire, recognises all the British soldiers who have fought and died in wars fighting for their country

Fusilier Sam Flint-Broughton, 21, from Poulton, and Trooper Christopher Whiteside, 20, from South Shore, both died in the warzone.

Now the pair are to be recognised for the ultimate sacrifice with two special honours .

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Fusilier Flint-Broughton’s name is to be added to the National Memorial Arboretum at Lichfield, in Staffordshire, which is the UK’s centre of remembrance.

Trooper Christopher Whiteside will have a street named after himTrooper Christopher Whiteside will have a street named after him
Trooper Christopher Whiteside will have a street named after him

Meanwhile, a street will be named in honour of Trooper Whiteside in Dereham, Norfolk, where his regiment was based.

Trooper Whiteside’s mother, Diane, called the tribute “quite an honour.”

She said: “When Christopher was based in the UK with the Light Dragoons he was stationed at Dereham.

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“They are having six streets named after the boys who died, including Christopher – they will always be there.

Fusilier Sam Flint-Broughtons name will be added to the memorialFusilier Sam Flint-Broughtons name will be added to the memorial
Fusilier Sam Flint-Broughtons name will be added to the memorial

“It is nice and quite an honour.

“I think it is around two years away from happening as the homes and houses are built, but they will name one after Christopher.”

Thousands of UK troops fought in the 13-year conflict with 453 soldiers killed in fighting.

Trooper Whiteside died in July 2009 when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

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Fusilier Flint-Broughton died in April 2013 after the armoured vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosion, killing him and two colleagues. Fusilier Flint-Broughton’s father, Dave, said his son’s name would be added to the National Memorial Arboretum in June.

He added: “All the name plaques will come off the walls at the UK’s base in Afghanistan, Camp Bastion and taken to the war memorial in Staffordshire.

“We will get an invite and Sam’s name will go up on the big wall.

They have a dedicated Afghanistan wall where they do something for everyone of the 450-odd troops.”

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The names of Sgt Nigel Coupe, 33, from St Annes, who died in March 2012, Marine Darren Smith, 27, from Fleetwood, who was killed in February 2009 and Trooper Whiteside have already been added to the Arboretum.

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