THE ordinary soldiers and officers who served alongside the six men killed in the deadliest single attack on British forces in Afghanistan since 2001 have added their memories to the growing mass of tributes.

The soldiers who died - five of them aged between 19 and 21 - were killed when their Warrior armoured vehicle was blown up by a massive improvised explosive device (IED).

Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33, (pictured top left) of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed alongside Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, (pictured top centre) Private Anthony Frampton, 20, (pictured top right) Private Christopher Kershaw, 19, (pictured bottom left) Private Daniel Wade, 20, (pictured bottom centre) and Private Daniel Wilford, 21, (pictured bottom right) all of 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment.

Yesterday, the men’s families paid moving tributes to them.

Today it was the turn of the ordinary soldiers and officers who lived and served with them in Afghanistan.

Married father-of-two Sgt Coupe, from Lytham Saint Anne’s, Lancashire, was described as "the perfect gentleman" who always put others before himself.

Sgt Kirk Reid said: "Nige, your professionalism will always be remembered, taking pride in everything you do, and putting others before yourself on every occasion. The perfect gentlemen with an amazing family that I’m sure will miss you always."

Cpl Hartley, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was described by his company commander, Major Edward Colver, as "quite simply one of the best non-commissioned officers I have ever had the privilege of working with".

Pte Lewis Dixon said: "I just want to say thanks for all the laughs and great times we had. You were a proper top lad."

Pte Anthony Frampton, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was described as an "amazing character" with a "loveable personality".

His platoon commander, Captain Ian Martin, said: "Private Frampton was a larger than life individual who had an infectious character and a loveable personality which made him one of the most popular members of the platoon."

Sgt Stewart Watts said he was a "platoon legend".

Pte Kershaw, from Bradford, had a "promising career ahead".

L/Cpl Lee Marshall said: "You were an outstanding friend with lots of potential of being a leader of men. You were loved and you will be missed, but never forgotten."

L/Cpl Jonasa Sikivou said: "Mate, you have left a hole in our hearts."

Pte Daniel Wade, from Warrington, died as his fiancee, Emma Hickman, is expecting his first child - a girl, Lexie.

Pte Luke Stones said: "My daughter is called Lexi too. Wadey, I can’t believe you’re never going to get the chance to meet her. I know you’re going to be looking down on her wherever you are. Love you mate."

Pte Daniel Wilford, from Huddersfield, was described by his Company Sergeant Major, Eric Whitehouse, as "an honest, quiet soldier, who excelled".

Pte Zondwayo Jere said: "I will always remember you as you were such a good lad. You have left a gap that will never be filled."

The soldiers, who had only been in Afghanistan for a few weeks, were hit by the blast about 25 miles north of the capital of Helmand Province, Lashkar Gah.

The force of the explosion turned the Warrior upside down and blew off its gun turret. Ammunition on board the vehicle ignited, causing a fierce fire that burned for many hours and severely hampered rescuers.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, telling the BBC they were "very proud of it".

Yesterday, the families of the soldiers who died paid emotional tributes along with senior military officers and politicians.

The tragedy was the biggest single loss of life for British forces in Afghanistan since an RAF Nimrod crash killed 14 people in September 2006.

It took the number of UK troops who have died since the Afghan campaign began in 2001 to 404.