Yesterday, Wednesday, two Royal Marines from my city of Plymouth were killed in the Garsir district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, whilst on a joint patrol with Afghan security forces. They were killed when their vehicle was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device).
The Ministry of Defence have today named the Royal Marines as Robert McKibben, aged 36 years, from County Mayo, Northern Ireland and Neil Dunstan, aged 32 years, from Bournemouth. They were serving with the UK Landing Force Command Support Group from 3 Commando Brigade (whose home base is Stonehouse Barracks here in Plymouth) as part of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force.
Last Sunday and on Tuesday of this week both RM McKibben and RM Dunstan joined colleagues in Remembrance Day and Armistice Day services on the front line little knowing what fate would befall them so soon afterwards.
Their deaths bring the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 124 and when combined with those lost in Iraq the UK total now stands at 300.
The City of Plymouth once again finds itself in a state of stunned shock at the loss of its brave servicemen. For my part I wish to send my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to their family and friends. Whilst deeply saddened at such tragic loss I am nevertheless extremely proud of their dedication and commitment.
We, as a nation, owe a great debt of gratitude to each and every member of our armed forces who daily put their lives on the line in various conflict zones to defend our freedom, liberty and, above all else, our security.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them!
1 comment:
Yes, David, how I agree with you on that one.
You know I lost my nephew last year and I always feel so sad when hearing of other families who have lost someone they love too.
We do owe them agreat deal of gratitude, those brave men and women.
Yes, we will remember them.
Post a Comment