The bodies of two Canadian soldiers killed in a firefight in Afghanistan returned to CFB Trenton on Friday evening, the second repatriation ceremony at the base this week.

The flag-draped coffins of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were carried by soldiers to the hearses.

The body of Cpl. Robert Mitchell arrives at CFB Trenton.

Gillam and Mitchell were killed Tuesday after insurgents attacked while they provided security to a construction project in the Panjwaii area, where Taliban fighters had been cleared from just weeks earlier. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

The pair belonged to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. Both had just recently arrived in Afghanistan.

Gillam, 40, was a native of South Branch, N.L.

Family members of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam approach the casket after arriving at CFB Trenton.

Although he had been with the military for two decades, he was on his first tour of duty. It was also his first time working away from his wife Maureen and two teenage children.

Gillam's commander, Maj. Andrew Lussie, told reporters Thursday that Gillam was able to return fire, and by doing so, probably prevented more deaths.

Mitchell, 32, is survived by his wife Leanne Hess and their three young children, aged five, three and two.

He grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., and had his first military posting with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton before returning to Ontario.

Military officials led by Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier attended the ceremony.

Their deaths came just hours before Pte. Josh Klukie, killed last Friday in Afghanistan, was returned to CFB Trenton.

Since 2002, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.