Royal Marine David Marsh of the 40 Commando unit was killed along with another marine while on active duty in Afghanistan on 30 March, 2008.

He and Lieutenant John Thornton were patrolling in the Kajaki vicinity of Helmand Province when their vehicle was caught in an explosion.

They were given medical treatment at the scene before being evacuated to the field hospital at Camp Bastion, but died from their wounds despite the best efforts of the medical team.

David Marsh, aged 23, was born in Sheffield but had recently moved to Taunton in Somerset with his wife Claire and their daughter Molly. He was also survived by his parents Gary and Maxine and sister Katie.

He joined the Royal Marines in September 2002 having won the Commando Medal during his training. He had previously served with 45 Commando in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well the Marines’ Fleet Protection Group, before joining 40 Commando in 2006. At the time of his death he was part of the Fire Support Group of Charlie Company and conducting a patrol to disrupt enemy activity in the Kajaki area.

He was known to his colleagues by various nicknames, including ‘Comedy Dave’, ‘Crazy Dave’ and ‘Billy the Kid’, the latter resulting from an amusing tattoo he had.

His wife said: "David was a loving and dedicated family man. He went though life with a smile on his face, which will continue through our beautiful daughter. The Royal Marines was his passion and love, he will always be our hero."

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell RM, Marine Marsh’s commanding officer, said he was a "consummate professional" and "deeply respected" in his company. He described him as being "steadfast and utterly dependable" in battle and a "true friend and comrade" in barracks.

Major Duncan Manning RM, Officer Commanding Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: "Marine Dave Marsh was an inspiration to the whole Company. A larger than life character, he was known by all and respected by both peers and commanders alike. For him the glass was always half full and regardless of conditions he remained positive.

"He had the ability to make you laugh even when you did not want to," said fellow marine Andrew Charlesworth. "His infectious laugh, character and zest for life were memorable and only Dave could have that got away with that Billy the Kid tattoo. I am pretty sure that God will be laughing with Dave right now."