Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan named by MoD

Marine Hart was killed while out on a foot patrol in Sangin district

A Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as David Hart of 40 Commando.

He was killed in the Sangin district of Helmand province on Thursday while on a foot patrol.

Marine Hart, 23, was born in York and lived with his family in the village of Upper Poppleton.

His parents Dilys and Chris said he "showed the qualities of the Commando Spirit" and had "a great personality and was a friend to everyone".

He passed out for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 16 October 2009, when he was awarded the Commando Medal.

This award is given to a recruit who, throughout training, display "qualities of the Commando Spirit".

After completing his training he was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton.

Lt Col Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, described Marine Hart "magnificent, both in personality and in profession" and said he was "a perfect Commando".

Lt Col James added: "He was tragically killed on the eve of his 24th birthday, with a bright career ahead of him, but he died doing the job he loved and amongst friends who will love him forever.

"He took great pride in all that he did and was a man of great presence - in stature, in temperament, and in life.

"He was a young and deeply impressive marine who was fiercely courageous and always thinking of others before himself.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends. He was truly one of life's greats and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando."