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Marines killed in Helmand named | Marines killed in Helmand named |
(40 minutes later) | |
Two Royal Marines killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence. | Two Royal Marines killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan have been named by the Ministry of Defence. |
Lieutenant John Thornton, 23, and Marine David Marsh, 22, of 40 Commando Royal Marines, died on Sunday on a routine patrol in Helmand province. | Lieutenant John Thornton, 23, and Marine David Marsh, 22, of 40 Commando Royal Marines, died on Sunday on a routine patrol in Helmand province. |
It is understood their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. | It is understood their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. |
Their deaths bring the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 91 - all but five of them in the last two years. | Their deaths bring the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 91 - all but five of them in the last two years. |
Lt Thornton, from Ferndown in Dorset, joined the Royal Marines in 2004 and had previously served in Iraq. | Lt Thornton, from Ferndown in Dorset, joined the Royal Marines in 2004 and had previously served in Iraq. |
In a statement, his family said his death would leave a "massive gap" in all their lives. | In a statement, his family said his death would leave a "massive gap" in all their lives. |
He was a resolute and formidable soldier in battle, a larger than life character who impressed all who met him Lt Col Stuart Birrell, commanding officer 40 Commando Royal Marines | |
It went on: "He died a hero following his dream and doing the job he loved. He was proud to be making a difference to both the people of Afghanistan, and to all of us back home who value our freedom." | It went on: "He died a hero following his dream and doing the job he loved. He was proud to be making a difference to both the people of Afghanistan, and to all of us back home who value our freedom." |
Lt Col Stuart Birrell, commanding officer of 40 Commando Royal Marines, said Lt Thorton's untimely death was a tragedy which had caused "great sadness" across the Royal Marines. | |
"He led from the front and provided an outstanding example to his peers and his men alike; he was a resolute and formidable soldier in battle, a larger than life character who impressed all who met him." | |
Marine Marsh, who joined the marines in 2002, was originally from Sheffield but had moved to Taunton in Somerset with his family. | |
'Our hero' | |
His wife, Claire, said: "David was a loving and dedicated family man. He went through life with a smile on his face, which will continue through our beautiful daughter. | |
"The Royal Marines was his passion and love, he will always be our hero." | "The Royal Marines was his passion and love, he will always be our hero." |
Lt Col Birrell said Marine Marsh's resolve and determination to succeed in all he undertook was "truly breathtaking". | |
"A consummate professional, he was deeply respected in his company; in battle he was steadfast and utterly dependable, in barracks he was a true friend and comrade whose presence was a comfort in difficult times," he added. | |
Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Both of them embodied the skills and qualities central to the Royal Marines ethos and their loss will resonate amongst all who knew them." |