Marine gunned down by Taliban

THE family of a Royal ­Marine had to cope with tragedy yesterday when they learned he had been killed in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Whatley from King s Lynn who was killed in action Lance Corporal Whatley from King's Lynn who was killed in action

The commando, who was named today as Lance Corporal Benjamin Whatley, died ­under enemy fire during a mission in lawless Helmand Province on Christmas Eve.

Just hours after the tragedy, comrades from 42 ­Commando were back in action as fierce fighting ­continued on Christmas Day.

The marine was killed as his unit was engaged in an operation to drive Taliban forces from a compound in the Nad-e-Ali district, near Lashkar Gah.

A statement released on behalf of Lance Corporal Whatley’s 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 in 42 Commando Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel 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.

Task Force Helmand spokeswoman Commander Paula Rowe said: “The death of this Royal Marine is a tragic loss and coming so close to Christmas, this is particularly poignant.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this dreadfully sad time.” Royal Navy Captain Mark Windsor, spokesman for the NATO forces in Afghanistan, said: “We are saddened by this brave serviceman’s death.

Our deepest ­condolences go to his family and loved ones, especially during this holiday season.

“This dedicated professional risked his life to help bring security and stability to the people of Afghanistan.”

Captain Windsor said that international forces would “continue to fight for the cause for which this brave serviceman gave his life.” Later prayers were said for the fallen marine’s family at a special midnight mass at the British forces’ operational headquarters in ­Helmand.

The Royal Marine is the 136th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.

He is the 11th Royal ­Marine to be killed in the past two months.

Gordon Brown recently announced the number of British troops in the area will be boosted by 300 to a total of 8,300, as personnel are withdrawn from Iraq.

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