Two British soldiers shot dead by a man wearing Afghan police uniform were named today as Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Lt Drummond-Baxter, who lived in County Durham, was on his first deployment to Afghanistan.
L/Cpl Kunwar, 28, from Pokhara, Nepal, and Lt Drummond-Baxter were attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines and were attending a meeting, with Afghan uniformed policemen, at Check Point Prrang in Nahr-e Saraj when one of the men opened fire, the Ministry of Defence said.
Lt Drummond-Baxter, 29, deployed to Afghanistan only on September 30.
His mother Helen, father David and sister Emily issued a statement saying: "Edward was fiercely loyal and totally sincere to his parents, sister and many friends who are mourning him today, both in the UK and around the world.
"He loved the Gurkhas and died among friends doing the job that he wanted to do.
"Helen and David would appreciate being left to grieve in private."
The soldier was born in Peterborough and went on to gain a BSc degree in psychology from University College London.
While at university he was an active member of his local Territorial Army regiment, the Honourable Artillery Company.
He subsequently spent two years working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including a posting to Japan before joining the British Army.
After attending Sandhurst military college, he was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles in December 2010.
Lieutenant Colonel David Robinson, commanding officer 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "Our battalion has lost a character, a true gentleman and an inspirational leader in Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter.
"Edward or 'DB', as he was often known, was one of life's true personalities. His Gurkha soldiers noticeably responded to his dedication to them but also to his great wit and humour. They would follow him anywhere.
"His natural empathy and rapport for his soldiers was evident to everyone. It was never a surprise to find him spending additional time with them, whether seeking to further their professional development or just enjoying their company.
The tragedy of his loss is beyond words.
"He was also utterly courageous and had already proved himself such a calm and steady leader under fire that his men knew they were in the best of hands...
"Edward Drummond-Baxter was a Gurkha officer in the finest tradition and his loss will be deeply felt by all those who had the privilege and honour of knowing him."
Corporal Hirabahadur Phagami said: "Throughout my career Lieutenant DB Saheb was one of the best platoon commanders.
"He was always calm and caring to all of us.
"Always a smile on his face no matter how difficult the task was.
"May his soul rest in peace. I will forever remember him. May God bless his family."
The family of L/Cpl Kunwar said: "We are deeply shocked, disheartened and in disbelief that Siddhanta is no longer with us.
"But we shall treasure all the good things he did.
"He enjoyed immensely his profession and was fully committed towards it.
"He has made us proud.
"The whole family misses him dearly."
Lt Col Robinson paid tribute to him, describing him as "tough and brave" and the epitome of everything a Gurhka should be.
He said: "Strong and highly experienced, he stood out from the crowd, not only as a highly capable sniper but also for his smile and sense of fun, whatever the situation he found himself in.
"On this, his third tour of Afghanistan, he knew the dangers and understood better than most what it meant to do his job at the toughest end of soldiering.
"As such, he was a role model for the younger soldiers around him.
"They, in turn, responded greatly to his guidance and experience but also to his caring nature.
"Away from operations, he loved his sport and was a great team player. He loved nothing more than having fun with his mates on the sports field.
"Siddhanta was a proud soldier and was immensely proud to be a Gurkha.
"He was one of the cornerstones of the Sniper Platoon, where he was part of a close-knit team who were justifiably confident in their ability.
"He would have done anything to support his comrades and friends around him. I know they will miss him deeply."
The "green-on-blue" attack brings the number of British servicemen killed by Afghan soldiers or police to 11 this year, compared to just one in 2011, three in 2010, and five in 2009.