A DAD whose hero soldier son was killed in Afghanistan says his death was in vain following the country's collapse to the Taliban - but insists that he will always be proud of his achievements.

Billy Monkhouse from Greenock says his son Stephen, who was a lance corporal with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, wanted to make a difference and did so.

Stephen died in 2010, killed while trying to rescue a wounded comrade in Lashkar Gah.

Billy, 63, says he has been dismayed but not surprised to see the country crumble so quickly in recent days following the pullout of US troops.

Stephen was one of 457 British troops who lost their lives during the conflict that has now been called to a halt by the exit ordered by the American president Joe Biden.

He said: "Stephen wanted to make a difference and he did make a difference, but what has happened is inevitable.

"You are trying to recruit and train an army with people who are scared of the Taliban and corrupt leaders and members of the Taliban joining - it was going to fold like a pack of cards.

"I've always said all those deaths were in vain.

"I don't know why we were there in the first place when their own people are not fighting for their country.

"I don't think there was a plan, it was as if 'we'll send in the soldiers there and let's see what we can do'.

"It was a waste of 457 lives.

"They were going out there to make a difference.

"But nothing has changed and it's going to get a lot worse.

"I don't think there is a solution."

Stephen went into Afghanistan as part of the British and American coalition sent in to destroy Al-Qaeda and the Taliban after the September 11 attacks in the United States in 2001.

The vast majority of British forces withdrew in 2014 and now with the Americans pulling out chaos has ensued as the Taliban takes back control of the country after 20 years.

When asked if he thought Stephen and his comrades had been let down, Billy said: "They have always been cannon fodder in the armed forces.

"Not so much the RAF and the Navy but infantry soldiers [back to] during the first and second world war.

"These brave boys tried to make a difference - but they didn't.

"I think Stephen did think he was making a difference.

"He put his heart and soul into everything he did."

Stephen was posthumously awarded the Military Cross in 2011 in recognition of his incredible act of bravery.

While Afghanistan has ultimately fallen back to the regime Stephen and his colleagues ousted, Billy says the decision to leave is the right one.

Billy said: "I am glad that the American troops are pulling out.

"Why should America and Britain finance their safety - 457 soldiers died and how many came back injured or with PTSD?"

Billy often visits his son's grave at Knocknairshill Cemetery in the east end and meets his old comrades.

He said: "The guys from the pipes and drums visit his grave every year and we have a minute's silence and then we go to the pub.

"It's great to see them, they tell funny stories.

"I could just imagine Stephen saying not to be standing at his grave looking sad or crying.

"I think Stephen would have still been in the army.

"I would have liked to think he would have risen through the ranks in the pipes and drums, I think he would have been a drum major by now."

Billy admits he doesn't think of who is to blame for his son's death because it would be too painful as he lives with his terrible loss every day.

He said: "I decided early on that I had to go through and finish the grieving process and celebrate Stephen's life.

"He loved being in the army and being with his mates.

"I promised him often enough that as long as I am alive, I won't let anyone forget about him."