Too small to reach the top of the hearse carrying her father and too young to fully understand, Eva Purja Pun was lifted by a relative to place her floral tribute.

It was a bewildering moment for the eight-year-old clutching a bunch of yellow roses as she waited for the cortege to pass through Wootton Bassett on Tuesday.

More soldiers were repatriated on the day President Barack Obama chose to salute those who line the streets. He said the town’s homage represented “the best of British character.”

Eva’s father, Corporal Arjun Purja Pun, was one of four servicemen flown in to RAF Lyneham.

When the cars paused at the war memorial, she walked to the hearse with her weeping mother Durga – who was carrying Eva’s four-year-old brother Aadi – but needed help to lay the flowers.

Cpl Pun was repatriated with Wiltshire Major James Bowman and Lieutenant Neal Turkington, all of 1st Battalion The Gurkhas. They were killed by a rogue Afghan soldier at their base in Helmand Province.

Maj Bowman, known as Josh, who lived in Salisbury, was shot as he slept. On the same day, the eve of his 24th birthday, Marine Matthew Harrison, of 40 Commando, was fatally injured.

Maj Bowman’s parents Jonathan and Barbara, both 68, sister Louisa, 32,and half-brothers David Wright, 46, and Brian Wright, 44, each placed a red rose on his hearse.

Lucy Chittenden, 34-year-old Major Bowman’s girlfriend, was supported by friends as she watched the procession pass before laying a bouquet of roses.

Paying tribute to him, Major Rob Spalton of 5th Battalion, the Rifles, Major Bowman’s first regiment, said: “Josh was a top bloke.

“He would have been very proud to see everyone who has turned out here today.”

Major Bowman’s family said in a statement: “He was the best possible son and brother who will be sadly missed.

“He loved the Army and was very proud of the selfless work that he and his company were doing.”

Lucy Milford, a friend of Lieutenant Turkington and Maj Bowman, said: “Josh would have loved this. He loved the ceremony, and seeing everyone dressed up. He adored everything to do with the military.

“Neal was very happy, a very cheerful guy. It’s nice to see all the Nepalese ladies here. They always give so much support.”