Messages that tell of grief for Black Watch

Dozens of families, well-wishers and supporters of the Black Watch have flooded the regiment's official website with messages expressing their grief and rage at the deaths of the three soldiers in Iraq.

They spoke of their fears for the safety of their loved ones, their sorrow at the waste of young lives - and their anger with the Government that sent them there.

"My thoughts are with the families of the soldiers who died today. I can't imagine how they are feeling. Just bring the boys home," wrote one man's sister.

A mother said: "I just hope Tony Blair can sleep at nights." Here are some of the other messages posted to the site.

Nan Boyd, mother Message: "I am so sorry to hear of these lads losing their lives. I have spoken with my son a short time ago and they are very close friends of his. He is absolutely gutted. I agree that if MPs had sons out there fighting they would soon bring them home. They just don't care any more. "God bless every one of the lads out there and may God bring the rest of them home safe."

Nicky, girlfriend Message: "My boyfriend is out in Iraq and I am sat at home praying for my phone not to ring. I am so scared for them all!"

Mandy, sister Message: "My little brother is 24 and serving with the Black Watch in Iraq. You feel helpless, and some people you meet don't understand what you are going through. I call it the W syndrome. Before the news you watch, worry, wait, weep. After the news you wish, wonder - who, when, where, why? - and weep some more. "Never been in this situation before and finding it very hard. Last saw my brother in June. What hurts the most is his kids don't understand. He has never seen his twin boys walking, and never taken his oldest to school. "My thoughts are with the families of the soldiers who died today. I can't imagine how they are feeling. Just bring the boys home."

Anonymous Message: "We all need to get on at our MPs to get our boys out of there. I just hope Tony Blair can sleep at nights."

Anonymous Message: "My ex-boyfriend is out there with the Black Watch. I had a letter four weeks ago from him. Getting worried for the boys out there. I too think that Tony Blair should do something and let Pres Bush take care of his own mess. God bless all the families."

British veteran Message: "So very sorry. God bless our boys."

Anonymous Message: "My heart breaks for all the families of the Black Watch soldiers killed in Iraq. This Government has blood on its hands once more. More families with lives shattered in grief and pain. "I know this as I have suffered too.
My husband was killed in the Falklands. At the going down of the sun we will remember them. RIP."

Serving member of Royal Navy Message: "From a fellow member of the services, I know what it is like to be far from home, doing a job for which we are poorly paid and poorly appreciated by this diabolical government. We have no MPs that are worthy of wearing the red poppy on their lapel, they should remove them with shame."

Anonymous Message: "My heart goes out to you all during this worrying time. I pray that our soldiers are home soon as it is not fair on the soldiers, the families, the loved ones and friends to be going through such worry for the benefit of Tony Blair's popularity.
"My love and hugs are sent to all the families and friends who are waiting for news. Just so wish I could do more for you."

Anonymous Message: "Why are these young lives being wasted fighting an American oil war? We have the finest toughest troops in the world - they won't complain or back down from what they are being asked to do, they will do it with pride and with the utmost respect for the people of Iraq. It is up to us to do it for them. Shame on you Mr Blair, you indeed have blood on your hands. Send your own son out there and let's see if you sleep at night."

Lesley Message: "We'd like to offer our heartfelt sympathies to the parents, families and friends of the soldiers who lost their lives today in a war we should never have been part of. Our son is in the Highlanders and we dread the day he has to go over there. God bless each and every one of the soldiers of the Black Watch and let's pray that no more of them lose their lives for cowards like Tony Blair and George Bush."

John Dalton Message: "When I heard the news on TV late this afternoon, my heart was filled with sadness for the three soldiers and their families.
"I am a former soldier, as is my wife, our son is a serving soldier in the Parachute regiment. The death of these brave men is so tragic."