Sergeant 'a man of real substance'

A serviceman who died in Afghanistan has been named as Sergeant Jonathan Eric Kups of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Reme).

Sergeant Kups, who was 38 and from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was an electronics technician, and was described by his commanding officer as "a man of real substance".

The Ministry of Defence said earlier that the death of Sergeant Kups was not thought to be the result of hostile action, though an investigation into the circumstances was continuing. Sgt Kups's death brings to 432 the number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

He leaves behind his wife and three children, and his devastated family issued a statement paying tribute to a "wonderful husband and loving father".

They added: "He was a loyal man with a wide circle of friends, a devoted son, son-in-law, grandson and brother."

His children said: "You're the best Dad; always in our hearts - our hero."

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Smyth, Commanding Officer, 104 Force Support Battalion Reme, said: "Sergeant Jonathan Kups, or 'Koops' as he was known, arrived at the Battalion in 2011.

"A real character, his dry and quick-witted sense of humour made him a pleasure to work with and he was extremely popular across all the ranks.

"A man of real substance, Sgt Kups's maturity and considerable experience enabled him to quickly become a vital member of the Electronics Platoon."