Corporal Matthew James Stenton from The Royal Dragoon Guards (pictured right) and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards (pictured left) died on Wednesday in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.
In a statement, Corporal Stenton's relatives said: "We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades."
Corporal Stenton leaves behind his father and stepmother, Michael and Gillian, and sister Charlotte.
His relatives said the "loving son, brother and grandson" would be "dearly missed".
"Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in life, his family and friends," they said.
"Matthew died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends. We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades.
"You will always be in our hearts and minds, love you always Dad, Gillian and Charlotte."
Lance Corporal Monkhouse, who lived with his mother, Linda Watt, leaves behind his son Brandon and his younger siblings Allan, Ashleigh and Stacey.
His relatives said: "Although Stephen died in very tragic circumstances, it is comforting to know that he died doing a job he loved - being a soldier.
"He loved the army and the Scots Guards. He died trying to help save another life, that sums Stephen up.
"He loved life and lived it to the full and his memory will live on with us and his friends forever. God bless you son."
Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, Commanding Officer RDG, said: "I have only known Corporal Matt Stenton for two years but such was the impression he made on me I feel as if I've known him for much longer.
"He cared passionately for the soldiers under his command, and he would insist rightly that their needs were paramount, no matter what the circumstances.
"Matt loved soldiering. He loved the camaraderie associated with a tight-knit group of well trained and highly focused individuals. Only 23 years old and already he had completed two operational tours, both in Iraq, and he was desperate to deploy to Afghanistan.
"However, he was required to complete his Challenger 2 Crew Commanders' course before boarding the plane for Helmand, and this pained him deeply as he would not join D (The Green Horse) Squadron until they had been in Theatre for about six weeks.
"Matt only arrived in central Helmand earlier this month. True to character he deployed with his troop the minute his in-theatre training was complete. He was now where he wanted to be – with his men, sharing in their endeavours, both good times and bad.
"It was typical of Corporal Matt Stenton that on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st July 2010 he was yet again looking out for those more junior than himself. He died in command of an armoured vehicle whilst successfully extracting a casualty and laying down fire on an insurgent position.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him hugely but his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
"Quis Separabit."
Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse was born in Greenock, Scotland. He joined the army in 2003 and subsequently joined the 1st Battalion Scots Guards in Germany in 2004.
Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp MC, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion Scots Guards, said: "I have known Lance Corporal Monkhouse, or 'Monkey' as he was known by everyone, ever since he walked through the door of my company office in Germany back just before we left for operations in Iraq in 2004. He made an immediate impression. Tall, gangling and with a nose nearly as big as his ever-present smile.
"He did well as a Guardsman, but it was only when he moved up into the Pipes and Drums and became Drummer Monkhouse that he really shone. In fact, he excelled.
"He passed every course we sent him on and was made a Lance Corporal in 2009. He loved his drumming and only a week before he was killed, he proudly played here in Lashkar Gah for our Colonel, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.
"Out here in Afghanistan, Monkey was part of my Tactical Group which meant driving around all over the area meeting Afghans and seeing the troops.
"He was the heavy machine gunner of our lead vehicle and had not only mastered that role, but was also our expert on detecting Improvised Explosive Devices. Consummate soldier by day and, on his practice pad back in the tent, paradiddler by night. But always a proud father, son and brother, and a true friend to all.
"Ten minutes before he was killed, Lance Corporal Monkhouse was eagerly telling me about his plans for R&R. To see his son, to see his family and to see his friends back in Greenock.
"The whole of the Battalion and the wider regimental family join me in sending our sincerest condolences to his young son Brandon, his parents Billy and Linda, his wider family and all his many friends. Greenock lost one of its finest last night.
"Monkey died coming to the aid of a Guardsman who had been shot. He did what every soldier hopes he will have the courage to do if the need arises: he laid down his life for his friend. We salute him and we honour our fallen."
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