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The commanding officer of the unit hit hardest by the Afghanistan blast paid a moving tribute to the dead soldiers today, saying: 'Six of our brothers have fallen. It has been a sad day.'
Lt Colonel Zac Stenning, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, read a eulogy to the men outside Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire.
He said: 'Barely 48 hours ago, we heard the terrible news that six soldiers from The 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, were declared missing, believed killed, after their Warrior armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
'As their commanding officer of a tight knit family regiment, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my incredibly brave men, and to offer my deepest condolences to their families, and to their many friends.
'Sergeant Nigel Coupe returned to us from the Armoured Training Centre, Bovington, where he excelled as an Instructor.
'He was proud to be a Lancashire Soldier in a Yorkshire Battalion. His technical prowess was unmatched; he was, quite simply, the best.
'Today we have lost one of our brothers who led and mentored those above and below him with true humility.
'Corporal Jake Joseph Hartley was known as 'JJ' to his friends. Fit, motivated yet always understated, JJ was a top soldier.
'His rise through the ranks had been swift and rightly so; he was a natural leader as exemplified by his top position on the gruelling Infantry Section Commanders Battle Course. He was a selfless, dedicated leader of men and a future Regimental Sergeant Major.
'Private Anthony Frampton was a fit and carefree soldier, and the life and soul of his platoon. A thoroughly likeable young man, 'Framps' could motivate and encourage the entire battalion with his cheekiness and smile.
'Behind his cheeky nature, lay a truly dedicated infantry soldier, who was committed and brave; a true legend among his peers.
'Private Daniel Wade had only recently joined the battalion, but in a very short period, he had made a real mark.
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God bless them all, brave young men proud to serve their country and to whom we give thanks R.I.P.
