Marine Anthony Hotine 40 Commando RM

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This is an extract of the MOD release on the death of Marine Anthony Hotine. The full release can be read here :

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineAnthonyDeanHotineKilledInAfghanistan.htm

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Marine Anthony Dean Hotine, from Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 2 June 2010. Marine Hotine was killed during the early morning as a result of an explosion which occurred when Alpha Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the Afghan National Army in the area around Patrol Base Jamil, in the Sangin district of Helmand province. To reassure the local population in Sangin and to create a sufficiently secure environment for the Afghan Government to deliver vital services to their people, Alpha Company have been conducting numerous patrols partnered with the Afghan National Army over the last two months. In the last few weeks, Alpha Company conducted a successful operation against an IED factory where a large number of IED components were discovered. The consent from the local nationals around Patrol Base Jamil has improved significantly, with IEDs being routinely pointed out by the Afghans during security patrols undertaken by Alpha Company.
Marine Anthony Dean Hotine was 21 years old; he was born in Torquay and lived in Warminster with his parents and younger brothers, Callum and Kieren. He started Royal Marines Recruit Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines on 25 June 2007, passing for duty on 7 March 2008. On completion of training he attended the Defence School of Transport, Leconfield, where he gained his full range of driving licences, including his HGV driver qualification. Drafted to Yankee Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, in May 2008, he deployed on his first operational tour to Sangin, Afghanistan, on Operation HERRICK 9. Having gained invaluable operational experience he specialised as a Signaller (Class 3) in July 2009, coming in the top third of his course. Known as 'Tino' to friends, in November 2009 Marine Hotine joined Command Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, and immediately began Mission Specific Training for his second deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan, on Op HERRICK 12. He deployed in April 2010 as part of Alpha Company and was based out of Patrol Base Jamil.

Marine Hotine's family paid the following tribute:

We are so proud of Anthony; he lived and breathed the Royal Marines and he was a 'Bootneck' through and through. Words cannot describe the devastating sense of loss felt across the whole family; he was an amazing son, big brother and grandson to us all. He was the life and soul of any party and his passing will leave a huge hole in the hearts of everybody who loved and knew him. He lit up a room with his smile and always lived every day to the full. We are so lucky to have had him in our lives and he will always be part of us. 'Tino' you will be missed, never forgotten, and very much loved forever.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said:

Marine Anthony Hotine was a brilliant young man who was at the height of his profession: bright, selfless, dedicated and keen-spirited, he was an outstanding Marine. Having previously served in Sangin a little over a year ago, he wanted to return next year for his third deployment - he was one of the most loyally committed men I have ever met. An ambitious character who always had a plan, he strove for greatness, both in his life and in his work, and invariably achieved it. He had an infectious wit, a sharp mind and a big and generous heart. He sadly died on patrol in southern Sangin doing the job he loved, alongside the Marines he so passionately cared for and with the friends who so loved him in return. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all in 40 Commando. Marine Tino Hotine was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando.

Major Sean Brady, Officer Commanding Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:

Marine Anthony Dean Hotine, known as Tino to everyone in Alpha Company, was the signaller for Patrol Base Jamil and although he was only 21 he was one of the more experienced Marines as he had previously served in the same area when he was with 45 Commando Royal Marines on Op HERRICK 9. Despite the fact that he joined Alpha Company part way through Mission Specific Training, he immediately fitted in and he quickly demonstrated that he was an excellent signaller who instinctively understood how to support his fellow Marines when on the ground. Quiet and kind-hearted by nature, he took pride in everything he did and he was constantly looking to improve himself. Professionalism matters in the Royal Marines, it is what we are all judged on first and foremost, and I have no qualms about saying that Tino was one of the best I have worked with. And it is for that reason that the lads loved and respected him. Moreover, it is impossible to doubt his courage; he knew the dangers involved in operating here and he willingly accepted them on a daily basis, but importantly he did so whilst retaining his sense of humour and generosity towards others. He was always willing to give that little extra of himself, no matter what the price, and that is what made him the ideal Royal Marine Commando. The concept of 'marching to the sound of the drums' may seem anachronistic in today's world; however it perfectly describes Tino's attitude to his job and to his life. He will be sorely missed by all within Alpha Company and the wider Corps. However, the sorrow we feel is overshadowed by that of his family and friends and all of our thoughts and prayers are with them now and forever.

We will remember them

Rest in Peace Anthony.
We Will Remember Them

Nick