31/07/2007

Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan named

The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Sunday as Lance Corporal Michael Jones.

LCpl Jones was killed in a gun battle with Taliban insurgents in the Nimruz province in the southwest of the country.

The 26-year-old, who was raised in Newbald in Yorkshire, joined the Royal Marines when he was 18 and had served on operation in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

LCpl Jones's commanding officer, who was not been named, said: "Michael was a truly exceptional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, the best at his level, who unflinchingly stood, time after time, shoulder to shoulder with his friends in the very worst of conditions. It will be impossible to replace Michael. He will be remembered as a genuine and loyal friend whose selfless bravery whilst assaulting a formidable Taliban position is an example to us all."

Paying tribute to the soldier Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Lance Corporal Jones was an experienced and courageous Royal Marine. His significant contribution towards the defence of his country will not be forgotten and his loss will be felt by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades."

(KMcA/SP)

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