Marine David Charles Hart 40 Commando RM

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This is an extract from the MOD release on the death of Marine David Charles Hart. The full extract can be read on this link to the MOD site:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineDavidCharlesHartKilledInAfghanistan.htm

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Marine David Charles Hart from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 8 July 2010. Marine Hart was serving as part of Combined Force Sangin and was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province.

Marine David Charles Hart was born in York, North Yorkshire and was 23 years old and lived with his family in Upper Poppleton. He joined recruit training in February 2009, and stood out as one of the top recruits and in recognition of this was awarded his Diamond. He passed out for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 16 October 2009, when he was awarded The Commando Medal. The Commando Medal is awarded to the man who, throughout training, shows, to an outstanding degree, the qualities of the Commando Spirit. These are defined as: Determination, Courage, Cheerfulness and Unselfishness.

On completion of recruit training he was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton. Joining Charlie Company in October 2009 he immediately conducted Mission Specific Training for an operational tour with 40 Commando in Afghanistan. Qualifying as a combat medic, and singled out as an impressive and mature individual, he was quickly selected to become part of the newly formed Police Mentoring Team. In April 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan and was based at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam and Patrol Base Sangin Tufann.

During the early evening of Thursday 08 July 2010, Charlie Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the local Afghan Army. At 1825 hours local, west of patrol base Sangin Tufann, an explosion occurred, fatally wounding Marine Hart.

Dilys and Chris Hart, his parents said:

"David loved his family, his girlfriend and friends, many that he has known since early age. Throughout his life David showed the qualities of the Commando Spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone. His cheerfulness, his sense of humour and of course his smile will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements."

Sarah Hart, his sister said:

"Dave was the best brother I could ever have wished for. He was caring, funny, had an infamous cheeky grin and would always be there for you. I am so proud to have been his sister, and of his chosen career as a Royal Marines Commando. He truly loved his job and relished the challenges he was facing on a daily basis. Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero.

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

"Marine Dave Hart was magnificent; both in personality and in profession. Diligent, loyal, utterly dedicated and completely selfless, he was a perfect Commando. He had a resolute but compassionate manner that everyone admired; he thrived in adversity and inspired others to do the same. 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. Marine Dave Hart was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando."

Major Ed Moorhouse, Officer Commanding Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines said:

"Marine Dave Hart was universally popular with everyone in Charlie Company; there was not an ounce of malice in Dave, he was always cheerful, always upbeat and a friend to everyone. He was a marine, no matter the circumstances and no matter the rank, who would always give you the time of day; and who would go out of his way to help you. This wholesome, compassionate and thoughtful man was fiercely proud of his profession, of his Corps, Charlie Company and the Band of Brothers who he fought alongside. Strong, dedicated and professional he epitomised what it is to be a Royal Marines Commando. In Dave Hart, I saw a marine with a career in the Corps ahead of him and a man hungry to prosecute that professional challenge that it presented. As his first Company Commander I took great pride in setting him on that path, and I am greatly saddened that a journey that had such rich and abundant potential has ended in such tragic suddenness. He was a man with the Corps at his feet. At this dark and very painful time our thoughts and prayers are with Dave's parents, sister and girlfriend and we hope that that the vitality and light that he gave us all returns to them as time heals their bereavement and tragic loss. Marine Dave Hart was a Charlie Company Spartan, a Royal Marines Commando and a loyal friend to us all and this is the legacy by which we will always remember this very fine man. Dave, may you Rest in Peace."

We will remember them