Warm tributes have been paid to the heroism of five Northern Ireland-based soldiers who died during a bloody period of fighting in Afghanistan.

The soldiers, from the Ballykinlar-based 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died in two explosions near Sangin, Helmand.

The Ministry of Defence has named them as Corporal Jonathan Horne and Riflemen Joseph Murphy, Daniel Simpson, William Aldridge and James Backhouse.

A 2nd Royal Tank Regiment corporal killed in an explosion near Nad Ali over the weekend was named as Lee Scott (26), from Norfolk.

Rifleman Murphy, from Castle Bromwich, West Midlands, Rifleman Aldridge, from Bromyard, Herefordshire, and Rifleman Backhouse, from Castleford, West Yorkshire, were aged just 18.

Several members of the group killed near Sangin died in a second explosion while helping comrades injured in a previous blast on Friday.

Rifleman Murphy was attempting to carry Rifleman Simpson (20), from Croydon, south London, to safety after he was wounded in the first explosion. Corporal Horne (28), from Walsall, and Rifleman Aldridge were killed trying to help casualties from the first explosion. Rifleman Backhouse was trying to clear a route for his comrades when he died in a blast.

The devastating loss of life has sent shockwaves through Ballykinlar, where some local residents left floral tributes at the gates of the barracks where the young soldiers were based.

Meanwhile, a Belfast councillor whose soldier son was injured in Afghanistan has added to the debate on whether British soldiers are being equipped well enough to fight the Taliban.

Bob Stoker said the British seemed to have only a tenth of the helicopter strength of the American forces. His 23-year-old son Michael suffered severe burns when his patrol was ambushed in May.

“From what I have heard the equipment they have is 100 per cent with the exception of helicopters. That seems to be the biggest complaint,” he said.

“It seems the Americans have 100 Chinooks and we have eight. It means our forces having to use vehicles or armed carriers when really all operations require helicopters, I believe.

“As a means to an end, in transporting soldiers not least, helicopters can take the sting out of a Taliban attack.”

The former Lord Mayor, who received messages of support from nationalist areas including west Belfast, the New Lodge and the Bogside in Derry, said he hoped Michael, whose birthday was on July 2, would be home for a few days this week before going into rehabilitation.

“The troops who are out there on the ground, they need to be supported by whatever means necessary, which means extra equipment, better equipment, better living conditions that should be afforded to them,” he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Thomson, commanding officer of the 2 Rifles Battle Group, said the loss of the five soldiers had been a “grim day” but he added: “They lived and fought alongside us and tonight our lives are much worse for them not being here. But we can celebrate what they were and what they achieved. We are so very proud of them.”

Rifleman William Aldridge, who signed up at 17, was “fiercely proud” of being one of the youngest British soldiers in Helmand, his comrades said.

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.”

Major Alistair Field, officer commanding C Company 2 Rifles, told how Rifleman Aldridge was comforting him after the pair were injured in the first blast.

Comrades said Cpl Horne, known as Jay, would be remembered as a “hero”.

The soldier, who previously served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, had also been on operations in Iraq — where he was wounded in action — and Kosovo.

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.

“You were so brave and we are all so proud of what you have done.”

Described by Lt Col Thomson as a popular “rising star”, Cpl Horne was “tough, compassionate and full of infectious mirth”, he added.

Major Field paid tribute to Cpl Horne's efforts to help those injured shortly before the second blast killed him.

He said: “Highly competent, professional and caring, but tough with a wicked Brummie sense of humour. Corporal Horne did not let me down; he was everything that a company commander would have wished for.

“My lasting memory is seeing him in action helping the wounded, calmly controlling the situation until tragically his young life was ended by the evil insurgents.”

Captain Edward Poynter, operations officer C Company 2 Rifles, said: “He was smart, tough, exceptionally fit and he always led by example.

“Corporal Horne was killed by a secondary explosive device whilst attempting to save the lives of those he lived and fought with. He will be remembered always as a hero, a friend and a true Rifleman.”

Sergeant Jamie Moncho, 9 Platoon Sergeant, added: “As a section commander he was dependable and absolutely unflappable. If I needed a man for a task; I could rely on him. No question.”

Rifleman Murphy, a football enthusiast and Aston Villa fan, was a “really bright lad” and a star in the waiting, his colleagues said.

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.”

Captain Poynter said: “Rifleman Murphy was carrying his close friend and battle-buddy, Rifleman Simpson, to safety after he had been wounded in the first explosion when a second device initiated and killed them both instantly.

“Rifleman Murphy gave his life while trying to save that of his fellow rifleman. The thoughts and prayers of all in C Company are with him and his family. Rifleman Murphy, we will never forget your smile.”

Lt Col Thomson said Rifleman Murphy was marked out for greatness.

He said: “Out here, he was in his element, helping to bring security to Sangin and its people. He knew right was on his side and his commitment was exemplary.

“He loved his football and was itching for the new season. A driven young man, he had so much going for him and his loss has hit us all hard. But our first instinct is to pray that his family will find the strength and courage to face the dreadfulness of the coming days.”

Major Field said he was extremely proud of “all he had achieved”.

He added: “Smartness was not his thing — the dust, dirt and austerity under which we lived was right up his street.

“He also had an infectious sense of humour which he tried on with me during my first interview with him.

“I am extremely proud of all he had achieved.”

Sergeant Moncho revealed Rifleman Murphy was a keen artist.

He said: “He had many talents and often combined his talent for drawing with his love of Aston Villa Football Club.

“He was often sent to remove his ‘artwork' from the sentry positions.

“With an eye on the future, he wanted to complete the demanding Rifles Sniper Cadre. Joe was close friends with Rifleman Danny Simpson whom he was helping to extract to the safety of the FOB (Forward Operating Base) during their last minutes together.

“He spoke constantly of his parents and his older brother, whom he missed and loved dearly.”