FUSILIER Hayden Sasha Hendricks was the youngest British soldier in the war zone when he flew out just days after his 18th birthday earlier this year. The M.E.N caught up with him on the front line.

Fus Hendricks said: "This is an enemy that doesn't like face to face and we've suffered a lot of losses this month.

"When you first hear about them you're down for a bit. You think of their family and your own loved ones but, as a battalion, we're like a family." It is also a first tour for Fus Kristian Dawson, 20, from Littleborough, Rochdale, and Fus Carl Cunliffe, 19, from Whitefield.

Fus Cunliffe said: "We had one attack where we were all stood up against a wall in single file.

"I heard two clicks on the floor and knew it was rounds."

Fus Dawson added: "When I see the locals and they say hello or give us a piece of fruit, it makes our work feel worthwhile."