TRIBUTES have been paid to a Hampshire soldier who was killed in an attack on a military base in Iraq.

Major Paul Harding, 48, a company commander in the 4th Battalion The Rifles, died when the Provincial Joint Co-ordination Centre in Basra came under mortar fire.

He had been in Basra less than a month when he was killed.

He died while in one of the most exposed fortified positions, helping to secure the route in for a convoy of supplies from the Basra Palace base.

The soldier, who had 30 years' experience in the Army, was hit by a mortar round and died instantly on Wednesday morning at 1am.

The Ministry of Defence informed all of his next of kin before releasing his name.

Lt Col Patrick Sanders, the battalion's commanding officer, said Major Harding put himself in danger to protect others.

"He would never ask a rifleman to do something he wouldn't do himself and, wanting to minimise the risk to his men, placed himself in danger."

He added that there were "simply no words" that could do justice to Major Harding.

He described Major Harding, from South Wonston, near Winchester, as a "close friend, comrade and confidant" who was "deeply respected and loved" in his role as company commander.

"The Rifles lost one of its most senior, long-serving and admired riflemen, and the country lost a veteran soldier of deep personal integrity, professional excellence, wisdom, experience and simple decency.

"But our loss is as nothing. His family have lost a husband, father, brother, son and friend, and their grief will be inconsolable.

"The thoughts and prayers of every single rifleman in the battalion are with them in their hour of need and beyond."

Major Harding served as a rifleman for 30 years, first in the Royal Green Jackets and, following Army restructuring, in the Rifles.

His three decades of experience meant he had done the job of every soldier under his command.

During his time in Basra he was in charge of security, resupply and liaison at the small and isolated military base shared with Iraqi security forces.

On one of his first days there, the building was attacked by more than 200 armed militiamen.

British troops fought off the attacks for four hours under Major Harding, using more than 9,000 rounds of ammunition.

Lt Col Sanders said: "Paul embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice - the life of a soldier.

"He chose this life and lived it with a passion. He died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved.

"We have lost a close friend, an outstanding leader, an exemplary rifleman and a remarkable and decent man."

He added that Major Harding's family life, with wife Paula and their two sons, mattered to him "more than anything".

He was also an outstanding sportsman who represented the Army at squash, triathlon, swimming, athletics, football, basketball and water polo.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Major Harding was an exemplary soldier - brave, courageous, and committed."