Some Gave All: We will remember them

Royal Marine dies from wounds sustained in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan in a hospital in Birmingham yesterday, Sunday 20 June 2010.

The Marine, part of Combined Force Sangin, died as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the afternoon of Saturday 12 June 2010.

A spokesman for 40 Commando, Major Renny Bulmer, said:

"It is with great sadness I must inform you that a Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines died on Sunday morning, 20 June, in a hospital in Birmingham from wounds he sustained during an explosion in Sangin, Helmand province.

"Our thoughts are with his immediate family who were with him at the hospital. His courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

"We will remember him."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

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300th British fatality in Afghanistan

21 Jun 10

Following the announcement today of the 300th member of the British Armed Forces to have been killed or have died as a result of operations in Afghanistan, the Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, and Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, have made the following statements.

Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said:

"British forces in Afghanistan are protecting our national security as part of an international coalition of more than 45 nations, working alongside the Afghan National Army and Police.

"Their efforts will bring security and stability to Afghanistan and prevent it from once again becoming a base from which terrorists can attack the UK and our allies around the world.

"The last nine years have seen British forces at the forefront of the campaign; for the last five working hard in one of the most challenging areas of the country building Afghan capacity to secure and govern their own country - a process which ultimately will allow us to bring our forces home.

"Our Armed Forces are the best in the world, operating daily in the most dangerous and demanding conditions. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure this essential mission succeeds.

"My thoughts, and those of the nation, are with the families and friends of all those servicemen and women who have fallen, but our resolve and determination to see the mission through remain steadfast."...

More on the MoD here. The Beeb has this:

David Cameron: "It's a moment for the whole country to reflect..."