THE wife of a commander killed in Iraq while protecting his men has paid tribute to her "truly wonderful" husband.

Major Paul Harding, who lived at South Wonston, was watching over his troops from an exposed vantage point during a supply mission when he was hit by a mortar.

Tributes have poured in for the 48-year-old father- of-two, who had only been in Iraq for a month.

He commanded a company in the 4th Battalion, The Rifles, and was securing a route for the supply convoy at Basra when he was hit.

Since being in the Iraqi city, Major Harding had already led his men in a four-hour battle to defend their base while heavily outnumbered by 200 armed militia.

Wife Paula, who was "inseparable" from her husband, said: "Paul always saw the good in people; he enriched the lives of all who knew him with his loyalty, selfless commitment, courage and respect for others.

"He was an utterly devoted and immensely proud husband and father with a wicked sense of humour and infectiously optimistic view on life.

"His passion for motor biking, sport and the outdoor life meant as a family we never rested on our laurels!

"If Paul was home at a weekend we would be off on an adventure with his beloved boys and dogs.

"Paul was a dedicated, vocational soldier, who knew the risks he was about to face.

"We spoke of the possibility of him not returning, but there was no doubt in his or my mind that this was a mission that was worthwhile, he was simply doing his job.

"He wanted to be part of this operation, not because he loved the Army, but because he loved his fellow Riflemen and it was his place to be with them."

Former colleague, Major Ken Gray, also from South Wonston, said: "He was fantastic to work with.

"I wrote his first report when we worked at the Sir John Moore Barracks in Andover Road, and recommended him then to be a regimental Sergeant Major.

"He was very thorough, dedicated and extremely efficient - a really nice chap.

"Everyone will remember him for his personality and very nice nature."

Major Harding met his wife in 1985, and after only three weeks, they became engaged.

On April 11, 1987, they married and went on to have two sons, Christopher and Jake. In April this year they celebrated their 20th anniversary.

Speaking of the circumstances of his death, his commanding officer, Lt Col Patrick Sanders, said: "It was typical of him. He would never ask a Rifleman to do something he wouldn't do himself.

"So, wanting to minimise the risk to his men, he placed himself in danger.

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

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

Lt Col Sanders added that there were "simply no words" that could do justice to Major Harding.

He described the major 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," he said.

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

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.

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".

Brigadier James Bashall, Commander, Mechanised Brigade, also paid tribute to him.

"Major Harding was a legend in the Rifles. He was a wonderful man, and an outstanding soldier.

"In all that he did, he inspired others, and his loss is deeply felt across the brigade," he said.

Friend Andy McNab, the renowned SAS hero and author, served with Major Harding in the Royal Green Jackets and became his friend.

He said: "He was very mature, even as a teenager.

"With his wonderful dignity and professionalism, he was always a cut above most of us, yet he was one of the most modest soldiers I have ever known.

"Everyone wanted to be in Paul's patrol because he was good and knew what he was doing."

Major Harding's body was expected to be flown home on Wednesday morning.