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“You were the most caring, thoughtful, funniest, loving and generous person I have ever known."

Major Alistair Field, Officer Commanding C Company 2 Rifles, said: “Highly competent, professional and caring, but tough with a wicked Brummie sense of humour. Corporal Horne did not let me down; he was everything that a Company Commander would have wished for.

“My lasting memory is seeing him in action helping the wounded, calmly controlling the situation until tragically his young life was ended.”

Rifleman William Aldridge, who signed up at 17, was “fiercely proud” of being one of the very youngest British soldiers in Helmand, his comrades said.

His mother, Lucy, described him as the “perfect” son.

A family statement added: “The family can’t pay William or his comrades who died with him a big enough tribute.

“He achieved his dreams by becoming a rifleman and was very aware of the sacrifice he may have to make. He will leave a huge void in our lives and always remain the perfect son.”

Lt Col Thomson said he was being earmarked for more responsibility after impressing in Afghanistan.

Major Alistair Field, officer commanding C Company 2 Rifles, told how Rifleman Aldridge was comforting him after the pair were injured in the first blast.

He added: “There is no doubt in my mind that Rifleman Aldridge could have gone all the way. We were injured together in the first explosion.

“We were both injured and in shock together but he comforted me with his patience and kind words. Sadly his life was snatched by another explosion. Another new talent whose potential will tragically never be known."

Rifleman Murphy, a football enthusiast and Aston Villa fan, was a “really bright lad” and a star in the waiting, his colleagues said.

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