The identities of the six men killed in combat in Afghanistan in the blackest day of the conflict so far for the British military were released by the MoD yesterday, as family and colleagues paid tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

Five were members of the County Down-based 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, who died in two explosions near Sangin, in the notoriously volatile Helmand Province.

They were named as Corporal Jonathan Horne, and Riflemen Joseph Murphy, Daniel Simpson, William Aldridge and James Backhouse. The sixth fatality was confirmed as Corporal Lee Scott, 26, from Norfolk, a member of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment who was killed in an explosion near Nad-e-Ali, in Helmand.

Three of the soldiers were just 18-years-old, equalling in one day the total number of British casualties of the same age who had died since troops were deployed to the region in 2001.

Among them was Rifleman Murphy, from Birmingham, who had been carrying his wounded "battle buddy", Rifleman Simpson, to safety when both were killed by a makeshift bomb.

Captain Edward Poynter described Murphy as a keen Aston Villa supporter and the "joker of the company". "He gave his life while trying to save that of his fellow rifleman," he added.

His parents, Brian and Jill, said: "Joe died doing the job he loved whilst serving his country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his comrades in Afghanistan."

Capt Poynter went on to describe 20-year-old Simpson, from south London, as the "lynchpin of 9 Platoon". "A big man, he was always ready to help his fellow riflemen. He could carry the weight of 10 men and often did." He leaves behind an eight-month-old son, Alfie.

A statement on behalf of his mother Debrah, father Robert and two brothers, Lee and Jimmy, said: "Daniel Simpson was a larger than life character, sometimes a bit of a handful and always full of surprises.

"A strong team player who was fiercely loyal to his friends and could be relied on to be there whenever he was needed.

"Danny as he is known to his family leaves behind a son Alfie, a younger brother Lee, an older brother Jimmy and parents Debbie and Robert Simpson. The world will be a quieter place without Danny."

Rifleman Aldridge, from Herefordshire, was one of the youngest soldiers serving in the region, having only come of age on May 23. His comrade, Rifleman Backhouse, from west Yorkshire, was only a few months older.

Commanding officer of C Company, Maj Alistair Field, said Rifleman Aldridge had come to his aid when they were both hurt in the first explosion.

"We were both injured and in shock together but he comforted me with his patience and kind words," said Maj Field. "Sadly his life was snatched by another explosion."

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."

Rifleman Backhouse, said Maj Field, could always be relied on and was quick to volunteer for any task.

He is mourned by his parents, Andrew and Sharon, and three brothers, Gareth, Dean and Ryan.

The battalion's fifth casualty, 28-year-old Cpl Horne, from the West Midlands, had been in the army since 2004. He leaves a wife, Rachel, and two children.

He was described as selfless, capable and a "natural field soldier who relished the challenge of preparing for the intensity and complexity of operations in Afghanistan".

He leaves his wife Rachel, daughters Frankie and Jessica, as well as his parents and three brothers.

Mrs Horne said: "A sad farewell to my wonderful husband who was a devoted father, husband and a loving son.

"We will miss you more than words could ever describe. You were the most caring, thoughtful, funniest, loving and generous person I have ever known."

Cpl Scott was the first of the six fatalities on Friday, dying hours earlier while leading his section of Viking armoured vehicles. He leaves a wife, Nikki, four-year-old son and eight-month-old daughter.

His squadron leader, Maj Charlie Burbridge, described him as an "instinctive soldier" with a "keen and canny tactical brain".

"He was charismatic, inspirational and hugely popular with everyone in my squadron," he added.

Governor of Helmand Province, Gulab Managal, yesterday offered condolences to the soldiers' families on behalf of the people of Helmand.

He said: "Your sorrow is our sorrow. We are profoundly grateful for the sacrifices your brave soldiers make for us because we know that they fight to give us, and our children, a future free of tyranny and fear. They did not die in vain."