Oxford Graduate Brought Home From Afghan

27 September 2012, 14:34 | Updated: 1 October 2012, 12:16

People are paying their final respects to two British soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan.

The bodies of Captain James Townley and Sergeant Jonathan Kups have been brought home to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, after they died last week.

A private ceremony will be held at the air base before the cortege makes its way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. 

The Ministry of Defence confirmed neither death was the result of hostile action however investigations into the circumstances are ongoing. 

Oxford University graduate Capt Townley (pictured above) died from wounds sustained at the forward operating base last Friday. 

He was described by his family in a statement: "James was a wonderful, loving and caring son and brother. He was devoted to his girlfriend, Helen".

"He was our guardian angel and our hero. We were so proud of him. He touched every part of our lives and his loss has left a huge chasm that we can never fill." 

Sgt Kups, a husband and father of three from Warwickshire was described by his children as "the best dad: our hero". 

In a statement, his family added: "Jonathan was a wonderful husband and loving father to three children. He was a loyal man with a wide circle of friends, a devoted son, son-in-law, grandson and brother".