Tributes to two soldiers killed on same day

Cpl Stephen Thompson, 31, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of an explosion near Sangin district centre, Helmand province.

L/Cpl Tom Keogh, 24, from 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed by a gunshot wound during a firefight in Sangin.

Both men died on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Cpl Thompson, from Bovey Tracey, in Devon, leaves his mother, Carol, father, Peter, brother, Philip, sisters, Claire and Helen, and son, Ewan.

In a statement, his parents said: "We are so very proud of our son Stephen and all that he achieved. He lived life to the full and died doing the job he loved.

"He will be sorely missed by his mum and dad, brother and sisters, his son, Ewan, and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Always in our hearts."

The commanding officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, Lt Col Nick Kitson, said Cpl Thompson joined the unit about a month ago, having spent two years instructing recruits at Catterick after enlisting with the Army in January 1997.

"Go-getting and committed, he embraced the challenge of operating in one of the most demanding environments, within this most demanding of operational theatres," said Lt Col Kitson.

"Dedicated to his job, his only thoughts were for the effectiveness of his team in bringing a better future for the oppressed people of Sangin."

Second Lt Peter Cay, 2 Platoon Commander, said: "From the first time I met him, Tommo came across as a highly professional soldier who was dedicated to his job."

L/Cpl Keogh, from Paddington, London, originally joined the Army in 2003 and served until 2008, including a tour in Iraq. He rejoined after a year's break in 2009.

He leaves behind his parents, Lawrence and Marion Keogh, and two brothers.

His parents said in a statement: "Tom was our eldest son and we all loved and admired him greatly. He loved the Army life and lived his life to the full. He brought laughter and happiness to our home and all who knew him.

"Our family has been left devastated by Tom's tragic death."