9:21pm UK, Tuesday February 09, 2010

Adam Arnold,
Sky News Online

Two soldiers who were killed by an explosion in Afghanistan have been hailed for their bravery.

Private Sean McDonald (pictured left) and Corporal John Moore

Corporal Johnathan ‘John’ Moore, 22, and Private Sean McDonald, 26, of the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died in the blast in Sangin on Sunday.

The Ministry of Defence said Cpl Moore, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was commanding his section on a routine night patrol when a roadside bomb detonated.

The blast killed him and his lead man, Pte McDonald, who was born in Toronto but went to school in Edinburgh.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said he was “so very sorry” when told of their deaths.

He said: “Hearing about these two brave men, I am filled with admiration for their courage and loyalty.

“Corporal Moore was clearly an extremely committed leader who was ready to rise to every challenge.

“Private McDonald was obviously a soldiers’ soldier who knowingly took risks to help bring a better future for the people in his area of operations.

“It is very clear that both were professional, courageous, selfless, and committed – true infantry soldiers. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their loved ones.”

The fatalities took the number of British service personnel killed in the Afghan conflict to 255 – matching that of the Falklands War. Another soldier was killed on Monday.

The family of Cpl Moore said: “Johnathan was a proud Scottish soldier who was doing a job that he loved; he will be sadly missed by a loving and very proud family.

“The Army and his family were Johnathan’s life we are devastated at our loss.”

Pte McDonald, who had a wife, Jennifer, will be “desperately missed”, his mother Jacqueline McDonald said.

She added: “My son was so proud to be a soldier. He will be desperately missed by all family and friends. This tragedy has left a hole in our lives and a hole in our heart. Sleep well baby boy.”

Cpl Moore, a rising star among his comrades, was a “junior leader of the rarest quality”.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, commanding officer of 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: “Corporal ‘John’ Moore was as determined and committed as he was able and professional.

“A junior leader of the rarest quality, our Army depends on men like him and his loss is a bitter blow.”

He was “an example to us all”, he added.