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| Marine killed in Helmand is named | |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve has been named as L/Cpl Benjamin Whatley by the Ministry of Defence. | |
| The marine, from 42 Commando, died from enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. | The marine, from 42 Commando, died from enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. |
| L/Cpl Whatley, 20, from King's Lynn in Norfolk was described as "vibrant, happy person" by his family. | L/Cpl Whatley, 20, from King's Lynn in Norfolk was described as "vibrant, happy person" by his family. |
| Some 136 UK troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001, including 11 Royal Marines in the past two months. | Some 136 UK troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001, including 11 Royal Marines in the past two months. |
| L/Cpl Whatley was killed in a fierce and prolonged battle while leading his men into action, the MoD said. | |
| A statement released by his family said: "Ben was a vibrant, happy person who had an unbridled enthusiasm for life. He was so proud to be a Royal Marine. His death creates an irreplaceable loss for all his family and friends." | |
| His commanding officer Lt Col Charlie Stickland, said: "Another 'Smiley Boy' from 42 Commando lost whilst doing the job he loved, in an environment in which he excelled and surrounded by his mates. | |
| "His loss has rocked the entire Commando, particularly the tight and combat hardened band of warriors that are 'Lightening' Lima Company. | |
| "L/Cpl Ben Whatley sat at the heart of a group of comrades bound together through rugged shared experiences, with strength of friendship that many cannot understand. | |
| "He had truly earned his Lance Corporal's stripe and had so much more to give. All he served with knew him as a 'proper bootneck' and an uncompromising friend." |