Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, 51, was the proud father of five girls and arrived in the country just six weeks ago with hopes of improving educational opportunities.

He had been inspired by his daughters Laurie, 24, Aimee, 22, Jordan, 20, Jade, 17, and Kelly, 16.

Speaking before leaving his home in Mapperley, Nottingham, he said: “I have five daughters, three of whom are at university. I want women in Afghanistan to be given the same opportunity. It means I can come back and say I played my part in trying to make that happen.”

Mr Thompson and Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingstone, 23, were killed on Sunday in a roadside blast at Kandahar airfield. Comrades yesterday described them as “bright lights”.

Auxiliary serviceman “Tommo” Thompson, a managing director in his civilian life, had an energy that “belied his age” and never shied from duty, said his commanding officer. Relatives added: “Gary was more than our hero, he was the rock and foundation of our family.”

Graham “Livi” Livingstone, from Glasgow, leaves behind a young son, Kyle. His mother, Rosemary O’Neil, said: “Graham was a much-loved father, son and brother. He died doing a job he loved.”

Air Commodore Bob Judson said: “These two enthusiastic, brave, popular and capable men have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Another British soldier was killed and nine of his comrades were injured on Monday during a training exercise in Bavaria, Germany, when a patrol vehicle overturned.