Families paid tribute yesterday to the three Special Air Service reservists who died in the greatest loss of life in a single incident for the Territorial Army since the Second World War.

The men from the 23rd SAS Regiment were killed in Afghanistan alongside Corporal Sarah Bryant when their Land Rover hit a mine.

Few details of the men or their careers were released by the Ministry of Defence because of the secret nature of the regiment’s operations. They were reported to be due to return home next week.

Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, 28, was a member of the Royal Signals. The management consultant from Brighton, West Sussex, was described by his father, Robert, as “loving, loyal, honourable, selfless and gentle”.

Mr Reeve said his son was a “pillar of strength that all could turn to. Sean’s professionalism and determination for all that he did was an inspiration to all that were fortunate to have known him.”

Lance Corporal Richard Larkin, 39, from Cookley, near Kidderminster, Worcester-shire, was described by his family as a “beloved husband, father, son and brother”. He worked as a night charge-nurse at Eve-sham Community Hospital for four years, running the minor injuries unit and the rest of the hospital overnight.

The family of Trooper Paul Stout, 31, said he was “a loving father and devoted husband”.

The 23 SAS Regiment traditionally carries out long-range reconnaissance patrols but on Thursday was providing protection for a counter-terrorism operation involving the Afghan National Police.

Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, paid tribute to the soldiers killed during the secret operation outside of Lashkar Gah. Their deaths took the death toll of British soldiers in Afghanistan since 2001 to 106.

“All four were immensely dedicated and professional service personnel and my sincere and deepest condolences go out to all of their family and loved ones,” Mr Browne said.

“They have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their life alongside those of their comrades in pursuit of the aim of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. We will ensure their losses were not in vain.”

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• UK regional accents thrive against the odds
• ‘Scarecrow’ wind farms put rare birds to flight
• What an anti-climax: G-spot is a myth