THREE soldiers killed when a bomb hit their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan will be returned to Oxfordshire tomorrow.

The bodies of Corporal William Savage, 30, and Fusilier Samuel Flint, 21, both of 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Private Robert Hetherington, 25, of 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, will land at RAF Brize Norton at 1.30pm.

The three soldiers died after they were injured in an attack on April 30. They were part of a patrol travelling along Route 611 in the Nahr-e-Saraj district when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

They were taken to the military hospital at Camp Bastion where their deaths were confirmed.

Brigadier Rupert Jones, Commander of Task Force Helmand, said: “The loss of these three brave Scottish soldiers comes as a great blow to everyone but leaves us all the more determined to do justice to their memory.

“Their families are in our thoughts and I hope they can draw a little comfort from the affection in which Corporal Savage, Fusilier Flint and Private Hetherington were held by their brothers-in-arms and from the courage they displayed.”

Corporal Savage leaves a wife Lyndsey, who is expecting their first child.

She said: “I am completely devastated but extremely proud of ‘Sav’ and everything that he has achieved.

“I have lost the love of my life and the father of our son. I know that his life will live on through so many amazing memories that we shared together.”

A statement on behalf of Fusilier Flint’s family said: “Everyone should know that Sam loved his job and made his whole family and everyone that knew him very proud.

“We want to thank everyone for the strong support.”

Paying tribute to Private Hetherington, Fusilier Connor Kelly, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said he was an “exceptional soldier”.

He added: “It’s very sad to have lost him and my heart goes out to all his family and friends.”

Jim Lewendon, county chairman of Oxfordshire Royal British Legion, said: “I hope as many people as possible come out to support them. There will be lots of veterans turning out as a mark of respect for these brave young men. I hope the soldiers’ families are able to take some comfort from that.”

The cortege is expected to pass the Memorial Garden, Brize Norton, at about 4pm and arrive at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford at about 5pm.