'Policeman by day, soldier by night'

Rifleman Mark Marshall, 29, of 6 Rifles, a police community support officer, died on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand province, on Sunday.

Rifleman Marshall, from Exeter, leaves behind his mother, Lynn, girlfriend, Hayley, and brother and sister Alex and Jo. Mrs Marshall said: "I am hugely proud of my dear and beloved son; he lived life to the full and will be sorely missed by all."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer, 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: "Rifleman Marshall epitomised every-thing that is great about our reserve forces and the men and women who serve in them."

A total of 261 British service personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

Rifleman Marshall was point man in his patrol, charged with the clearance of improvised explosive devices (IED).

He was killed when a roadside bomb detonated while he was on a routine patrol.

Major Mike Lynch, Officer Commanding, C Company 3 Rifles, said: "Mark was a conscientious and selfless Rifleman and one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure to serve with."

Rifleman Marshall had been concerned that army colleagues would chide him about his policing job.

Lance Corporal Brent Meheux explained: "I remember how worried he was about the lads finding out that he was a copper.

"He made us promise not to tell anyone, but he needn't have worried as it became the worst kept secret in 3 Rifles and as usual by the time people found out his personality and keenness to work hard had already won them over."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was extremely saddened to hear about Rifleman Mark Marshall's death.

"He was a man who had dedicated his life to public service, be that as a police officer or as a member of the Territorial Army, and had made a great contribution to the safety and security of this country through his actions both at home and in Afghanistan. He paid the ultimate sacrifice as he served his country.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time."

The MoD announced that a soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment was killed yesterday while dealing with a roadside bomb near Patrol Base Ezaray to the north-east of Sangin District Centre.

The soldier was serving as part of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force tasked with clearing roadside bombs.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said: "It is with deep sadness I must confirm that a soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving as part of the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed by an explosion.

"He was engaged in IED clearance operations near Patrol Base Ezaray to the north east of Sangin District Centre in Helmand province.

"He was one of that unique breed who go out again and again to confront the dangers of IEDs, determined to save lives.

"His indomitable courage will not be forgotten."

Yesterday the MoD also announced that a soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, had been killed in small arms fire in the Musa Qala area on Sunday evening.