Two Royal Marines killed in a bomb blast in southern Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Marine Sam Alexander, 28, and Lt Ollie Augustin, 23, both of 42 Commando, died on Friday after an explosion in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province.
Marine Alexander's wife, Claire, said he was "so special" and Lt Augustin's parents said their son was "beautiful".
Their deaths take the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 368.
Marine Alexander, from Hammersmith, west London was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during an earlier operation.
He married his wife, Claire, two years ago, with whom he had a son Leon, born in July last year.
'Our rock'"Sam was so special. He was the gentlest of men but tough when he needed to be. He risked his safety for his friends but never batted an eyelid," she said.
"It was his job and a job he did well. Sam was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He was our rock and my best friend. He has been taken from me all too soon.
"We both love him and will miss him very much. These are all special guys who, for whatever reason, join a very tough band of blokes who willingly die for each other without a second thought. I just hope his death was not in vain."
He and Lt Augustin, from Kent, were on patrol "disrupting insurgent activity" when they were killed.
Lt Augustin is survived by his father, Sean, his mother, Jane, and his sister, Sarah.
In a joint statement, his parents said: "Ollie was a much loved and cherished son. He was a beautiful boy who we were very proud of.
"He had many friends that he loved and who loved him in return. His warmth and humour lit a room and infected all around him.
"He dealt with people in a thoughtful and compassionate way. His independence and sense of adventure meant that he embraced life and his chosen path. Ollie we will all love and miss you forever."
The battalion-sized formation of 42 Commando is based at Bickleigh Barracks in Plymouth, Devon.
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