Lieutenant John Thornton was one of two men serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines who were killed in an explosion while on active duty in Afghanistan on 30 March, 2008.

He and Marine David Marsh were on patrol 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.

John Thornton, aged 22, was from Ferndown in Dorset and known to friends as ‘JT’. He joined the Royal Marines at the age of 18, having dreamed of being a Marine Commando since his childhood.

He had previously served in Iraq with the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry. He told people he had "the best job in the world". At the time of his death he was in charge of the Fire Support Group of Charlie Company and conducting a patrol to disrupt enemy activity in the Kajaki area.

He was survived by his parents and brothers. His family released a statement that said he was "proud to be making a difference to both the people of Afghanistan and to all of us back home who value our freedom". They described him as a "much loved and always caring son, brother and friend to all those who were fortunate enough to have met him".

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell RM, Lt Thornton’s commanding officer with 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: "A conscientious and highly motivated man, he loved the life of a Royal Marine and he very quickly proved himself to be a talented and highly capable Commando officer. Lieutenant John Thornton’s untimely death is a tragedy; a gregarious, fun-loving man, his passing has caused great sadness across the Royal Marines."

Major Duncan Manning RM said: "JT was a central character within the Charlie Company. His relaxed and amiable personality made everyone he met immediately warm to him. His good humour and ability to laugh at himself was balanced with high professional skills and a devotion to the men under his command."