Tributes paid to dead UK soldiers

Glowing tributes have been paid to six British soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan in separate incidents on 10 July.

Cpl Lee Scott, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed in an explosion near Nad Ali in southern Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Cpl Jonathan Horne, and Riflemen Joseph Murphy, Daniel Simpson, William Aldridge and James Backhouse, all of the of the County Down-based 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died after two explosions near Sangin, Helmand.

CORPORAL LEE SCOTT

Cpl Scott's wife, Nikki, described her husband, as the "most loving, kindest, thoughtful person you could ever meet".

She added: "He was the best daddy to Kai and Brooke and he will live on through them."

The 26-year-old corporal, who grew up in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, was a qualified freefall parachutist and coastal day skipper as well as having won the troop Scrabble tournament.

He was described as a fast-rising star in the regiment who was a "soldier's soldier".

Cpl Trev Hopkins said: "Corporal Lee Scott was a true friend, a real adrenaline junky and an excellent soldier."

CORPORAL JONATHAN HORNE

Cpl Horne, 28, from Walsall in the West Midlands, was described as a devoted father and husband by his wife Rachel.

She said: "We will miss you more than words could ever describe. You were the most caring, thoughtful, funniest, loving and generous person I have ever known."

Meanwhile Capt Edward Poynter, Operations Officer C Company 2 Rifles, said: "Corporal Horne was killed by a secondary explosive device whilst attempting to save the lives of those he lived and fought with. He will be remembered always as a hero, a friend and a true Rifleman."

The corporal was a keen footballer, enjoyed lifting weights and won praise from colleagues for his style of leadership.

RIFLEMAN WILLIAM ALDRIDGE

Rifleman Aldridge's family said they could not pay a big enough tribute to the soldier and described him as the perfect son.

Lt Col Rob Thomson, commanding officer 2 Rifles, said: "He was a big going concern and was already ear-marked for more responsibility. We will miss him dreadfully and our hearts go out to his beloved family."

Capt Edward Poynter paid tribute to the way in which Rifleman Aldridge, 18, of Bromyard, Herefordshire, absorbed the skills required to fight in Afghanistan.

He said: "With virtually no amenities, luxuries or creature comforts to hand, he thrived on the challenge.

"He was a bright, fit, popular and resourceful rifleman who made friends easily, and quickly grew proud of his platoon and the men with whom he lived and fought."

RIFLEMAN JAMES BACKHOUSE

Rifleman Backhouse, 18, of Castleford, West Yorkshire, leaves behind his two parents and three brothers.

Lt Col Thomson said the soldier loved rugby and football and praised him for being "utterly selfless".

Major Alistair Field, officer commanding C Company 2 Rifles, said Rifleman Backhouse's sense of service was humbling.

Colleagues also praised the soldier for his kindness, heroism and leadership qualities.

RIFLEMAN JOSEPH MURPHY

Rifleman Murphy, 18, of Castle Bromwich, near Birmingham, was described as a fine young man by his family.

Major Field said the soldier had an infectious sense of humour who was a "star in waiting".

The rifleman was an Aston Villa supporter and was keenly anticipating the new season.

L/Cpl Rehan Pasha, section second-in-command, said: "Murph habitually made me laugh - although not always intentionally - even when I was trying to be angry with him.

"His semi-permanent expression of fatigue and 'Brummie' drawl belied a sharp wit and an outstanding artistic talent."

RIFLEMAN DANIEL SIMPSON

Rifleman Simpson, 20, of Croydon, south London, was described as fiercely loyal by his family.

They said: "Daniel Simpson was a larger than life character, sometimes a bit of a handful and always full of surprises."

The rifleman, who leaves behind an eight-month-old son Alfie, was "good enough to have flirted with professional football", Lt Col Thomson said.

Maj Field said: "Rifleman Simpson was my big, hard, 'bouncer-lookalike' rifleman. He had been doing such an amazing job in the most difficult of circumstances."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Ministry of Defence
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites