Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe was killed, along with his dog Sasha, during a search operation in Afghanistan on Thursday

Target: An Army labrador with its handler in Afghanistan

The British Army dog handler killed in Afghanistan was due to leave front line duties the day before he died, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.

Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and his dog Sasha were killed in a firefight with the Taliban on Thursday.

His commanding officer, Major Stuart McDonald, said he had been due to leave the base on Wednesday but asked to stay because he was worried about the lack of cover.

'This unselfish action epitomised his professionalism and dedication to his job,' he said.

The specialist handler from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps was serving with the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.

He and his female labrador were checking the path of a routine patrol for booby-trap bombs when the unit came under fire close to the hotbed town of Sangin.

Six other soldiers were injured.

The latest tragedy brings the human death toll to 112, and marks the first time a British Army dog has been killed in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Dogs trained to sniff out explosives and ammunition have become a vital asset for troops fighting the Taliban, who have grown increasingly adept at using hidden bombs and booby-traps to kill and maim UK troops.

A handler and his dog frequently move at the front of  patrols in an exposed position - ready to give warning of possible mines or bombs.

The latest incident, on Thursday, happened as paratroopers came under heavy enemy fire from machine guns and rocketpropelled grenades.

The handler and his dog were killed in battle while the six other men were injured by shrapnel from an RPG.

One has been flown back to the UK for treatment and the other five returned to duty.

The dead soldier's next-of-kin have been told.

Around 300 dogs serve with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps at any one time. They are trained either in a security role as guard dogs or taught to sniff out chemicals given off by weapons and explosives.

Labradors and spaniels are the most commonly used breeds for detection dogs, while the Army uses German Shepherds as guard dogs.

Army dogs which make a dramatic contribution to operations are eligible for the Dicken Medal - commonly known as the animal Victoria Cross.

Four-legged heroes