Soldiers killed in Afghanistan are named

Two soldiers shot dead in separate incidents in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan on Tuesday have been named by the Ministry of Defence as Corporal Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai, 32, and Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, 29, both of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The two soldiers, who came from Fiji, were hailed by their comrades for "excelling" in their roles.

Cpl Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai, known as Rocco, joined the Army in July 2000, first serving with the 1st Battalion, The King's Own Royal Border Regiment, before its amalgamation in 2006.

Lt-Colonel Frazer Lawrence OBE, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said: "He was an outstanding soldier and a very talented junior non-commissioned officer – tough and stoic, but with an infectious smile and a mischievous sense of humour."

Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, known as Tagi, joined the Army in March 2005, also serving with the 1st Battalion, The King's Own Royal Border Regiment.

Major Darren Newman, Officer Commanding Somme Company, 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment described him as a "quiet, gentle man with a dry sense of humour", adding: "He was a professional and dedicated soldier who was well liked and respected across the Battalion. Tagi had many friends, which was testament to his warm, approachable manner."