HUNDREDS of tributes are expected to be written into a book of condolence opened today (SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26) for Corporal Channing Day, who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old soldier, whose regiment is based in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, died alongside Corporal David O’Connor after they were both injured on patrol with C Company in Helmand Province on Wednesday.

The book of condolence will be in St Mary’s Church in Cpl Day’s home town of Comber, near Newtownards, in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The Mayor of Ards, Alderman Hamilton Gregory, said the people of Comber felt an enormous sadness at the terrible loss which the Day family had suffered and wished to show their sympathy and support.

Cpl Day joined the Army in 2005 and served with the 3 Medical Regiment, and Somerset-based 40 Commando, which are part of 4 Mechanized Brigade, based at the North Yorkshire garrison town.

She deployed to Afghanistan on Tuesday, October 2 as a Combat Medical Technician Class One, and was based at Patrol Base One in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province where she provided medical support to 40 Commando Royal Marines.

The brigade took over responsibility for Task Force Helmand earlier this month.

The Ministry of Defence said an initial review into their deaths has revealed the killings were not caused by friendly fire, and investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile the soldier’s sister, Lauren Day, described Cpl Day as brave, beautiful and determined and said she had always wanted to be a soldier.

"She has done more in her 25 years than most women her age and we are so very proud of everything she has achieved," she added.