Families pay tribute to courage under fire

Corporal Matthew James Stenton, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, from Greenock in Scotland were killed on Wednesday in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

Cpl Stenton's relatives said: "We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades."

L/Cpl Monkhouse's family hailed the father of one, who was killed trying to save another life, saying: "That sums Stephen up."

Cpl Stenton, 23, from The Royal Dragoon Guards, and L/Cpl Monkhouse, 28, from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, were killed by small arms fire after insurgents shot and wounded a fellow serviceman.

His relatives said the "loving son, brother and grandson" would be "dearly missed".

"Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in life, his family and friends," they said.

"Matthew died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends.

"We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades.

"You will always be in our hearts and minds, love you always Dad, Gillian and Charlotte."

L/Cpl Monkhouse, who lived with his mother, Linda Watt, leaves a son, Brandon.

Cpl Stenton was commanding a Viking armoured vehicle and L/Cpl Monkhouse was the gunner of a Coyote vehicle when their comrade came under attack.

While Cpl Stenton manoeuvred his vehicle to help remove the injured serviceman, L/Cpl Monkhouse, known as "Monkey", provided support – but the two were killed in the ensuing gunfire.

Cpl Stenton, who was born and raised in Wakefield and went to Wakefield Cathedral High School, was described as "an inspiration to us all" and an "outstanding soldier".

Another officer said: "His smile could light up any situation."

Lt Col James Carr-Smith, commanding officer, The Royal Dragoon Guards, said: "He died in command of an armoured vehicle whilst successfully extracting a casualty and laying down fire on an insurgent position."