Loren Marlton-Thomas

Soldier | Died in 2009

33 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan

British Army bomb disposal expert Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas was killed by an improvised explosive device as he searched for other IEDs to make safe in Afghanistan on November 15, 2009.

The explosion happened in the Gereshk area of Helmand province.

Corporal Marlton-Thomas, aged 28, was known as 'Loz' to his comrades. He was originally from Lancashire and lived in Essex. He joined the Army in 1998.

His wife, Nicola, said: "Loren was Army barmy right back to being a Cadet. He did the job he loved and paid the ultimate price for his friends, comrades and country. We are proud to say we knew and loved him. A true hero in our eyes - you may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten".

He had served in Northern Ireland and Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan in September as a search team commander with the joint force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) group.

His death brought the number of UK troops who have died since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 to 234. He was the 97th soldier to die in 2009.

Related tributes:
Links:
- Ministry of Defence

Your Memories

My thoughts are with your Family, Friends and Comrades

Sleep well, soldier
know that you are honored
your name is not forgotten
sleep well, soldier
sleep well
We will remember you

C M Walbran ex RAF — 17.11.2009

Lt Col David Southall MBE RE, Commanding Officer of 33 Engr Regt (EOD), said:

Cpl Loren Marlton-Thomas was a man of great courage and commitment, a gifted Junior NCO who was truly passionate about his profession.

He revelled in his Search Team Commander role, with skills honed on operations in both Northern Ireland and Iraq. 'Loz' was one of life's optimists who always led from the front; whatever the challenge, you would always find him right in the thick of it.

His role, in leading teams to find IEDs, was undeniably amongst the toughest in Helmand province. Despite this, Loz was one of the most irrepressible and positive Junior Commanders I have met. With a smile on his face, his natural charm, confidence and soldiering skill meant men followed him instinctively.

Loz made the ultimate sacrifice whilst striving to rid Afghanistan of IEDs and make the country a safer place, for both our troops and the Afghan people. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nicola, and family; we share their grief. Loz will not be forgotten. Lasting Tribute — 17.11.2009

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex RLC, Commanding Officer Counter IED Task Force, said:

Corporal Marlton-Thomas was a courageous soldier and a strong leader; his boys loved him. He epitomised the character and bravery required of a Royal Engineer Search Team Commander and his loss will be felt keenly across our close knit community.

Chatting together in Camp Bastion recently as we both surveyed a starlit Helmand sky, I was impressed by his enthusiasm and immediately taken by his intelligent and thoughtful nature. Immensely proud of his role he waxed lyrical on the jobs he and the boys had done so far.

His pride and dedication is an inspiration to us all, and we will not let his death be in vain. He knew more than anyone that his job was dangerous, but understood that his role was vital to the security of decent Afghans and his fellow soldiers. Lasting Tribute — 17.11.2009