Six British soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan, including three 18-year-olds, were named today.

Corporal Jonathan Horne, Rifleman William Aldridge, Rifleman James Backhouse, Rifleman Joseph Murphy and Rifleman Daniel Simpson, from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles were killed near Sangin, Helmand province, while Corporal Lee Scott, 26, from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, died in an explosion near Nad-e-Ali.

Rifleman Murphy, from Castle Bromwich, West Midlands, Rifleman Aldridge, from Bromyard, Herefordshire, and Rifleman Backhouse, from Castleford, West Yorkshire, were aged just 18.

Several members of the group killed near Sangin died on Friday in a explosion while helping comrades injured in a previous blast.

Rifleman Murphy was attempting to carry Rifleman Simpson, 20, from Croydon, south London, to safety after he was wounded in the first explosion.

Corporal Horne, 28, from Walsall, and Rifleman Aldridge were also killed trying to help casualties from the first explosion. Rifleman Backhouse was trying to clear a route for his comrades when he died in a blast.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Thomson, commanding officer of the 2 Rifles Battle Group, said it had been a “grim day”. He added: “They lived and fought alongside us and tonight our lives are much worse for them not being here. But we can celebrate what they were and what they achieved. We are so very proud of them.”

Comrades said Cpl Horne, known as Jay, would be remembered as a “hero”.

The soldier, who previously served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, had also been on operations in Iraq - where he was wounded in action - and Kosovo.

He leaves his wife Rachel, daughters Frankie and Jessica, as well as his parents and three brothers.

Mrs Horne said: “A sad farewell to my wonderful husband who was a devoted father, husband and a loving son.

“We will miss you more than words could ever describe.

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