Corporal Liam Elms died on a routine patrol in Afghanistan on New Year’s Eve, 2008.

He was killed by an explosion on the afternoon of 31 December, 2008, on operations with Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines.

His family paid tribute, saying: in a statement: "A true mans man. Liam always strived to be the best, his proudest achievement was receiving his beloved green beret.

"All who knew Liam loved and respected him. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his lads in Zulu Company and their families.

"Liam will leave a huge hole in our lives and he will always be missed."

A further statement, from the Ministry of Defence, added: "Liam was a dearly loved son to his father Michael, of whom he often spoke and was in constant touch.

"He also spoke lovingly of his fiancée, and he was busy making plans for the future with her during this deployment to Afghanistan.

"His death will be felt by all who he influenced but mostly by his family and by those he served alongside. All who knew him will mourn the passing of a dear friend and an exceptional Royal Marine."

He died in Southern Helmand while conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops to reassure the local population.

Corporal Elms or 'Elmsy' as he was known was born on 28 October 1982 in Wigan.

He joined the Royal Marines on 7th May 2001 and after completing training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone in Devon, served with 42 Commando Royal Marines for two years.

During this time he saw active service in Northern Ireland (Op BANNER) in 2002, and then again in Iraq in 2003

Returning to the UK Corporal Elms completed his Junior Command Course, and Skill at Arms course where he was awarded top student.

He subsequently trained as a Platoon Weapons Instructor Class 2 at the Commando Training Centre, where he was responsible for the training of recruits

He was a keen Rugby League fan and also played for the Corps Rugby League Team.

He was recognised as having a great sense of humour and despite his professional pride he could never take himself too seriously; he always had a ready laugh and liked nothing better than to reminisce about the lighter side of being a Royal Marine with his friends.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, 45 Commando Group, said:

"Corporal Elms was an outstanding Royal Marine and a huge personality. Fit, strong, courageous and very good humoured he died leading his section from the front, doing the job he loved in the company of his friends who had tremendous trust in him and a huge respect for his abilities as a Commando and as a Leader.

"The determined commitment and bravery that he has shown throughout the conduct of numerous operations over the last few months has been an example to all and his loss has been felt very deeply throughout 45 Commando.

"He will be remembered for the energy and enthusiasm that he had for his profession but also for the generosity of spirit that he extended to all. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten and his tragic death will serve to further strengthen the resolve and determination of his comrades throughout these challenging times.

"I know that every member of 45 Commando joins me in sending my very deepest condolences to his fiancée, close family and friends of whom he was so proud."