Marine died in 'act of wickedness'

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Damian Davies, a 27-year-old father from Telford, Shropshire, and fellow Marines Sergeant John Manuel and Corporal Marc Birch, died on December 12.

The three died as a result of an explosion south of Sangin, Afghanistan, after they were reportedly approached by a 13-year-old boy pushing a wheelbarrow in which a bomb was hidden.

At his funeral in his home town, hundreds of mourners bid Marine Davies - a member of the Commando Logistic Regiment - a final farewell.

Mr Davies's pregnant widow Joanne and his 18-month-old son Matthew were among the congregation that filled St George's Parish Church, Telford, for the full military service. Locals put festive preparations on hold as they lined the streets to pay tribute to the young Marine.

A firing party of 12 from the Commando Logistics Regiment performed a "present arms" as the coffin was carried into the church by six pallbearers from the same regiment.

Around 20 members of the Royal British Legion formed a guard of honour at the entrance to the church. On top of the coffin, which was draped with the Union flag, sat Marine Davies's Royal Marines cap, alongside a Christmas hat.

Pink and white flower tributes included the word "Daddy" and, from his wife, the initials "MSHMX" - which stands for "My Sexy Husband, Merry Xmas".

A note attached to the flowers read: "To my darling Mr sexy husband man, you sleep tight now and I will see you again one day. Nighty nighty, pyjama, pyjama. Love always and forever, your Mrs Princess Tinkerbell, Joanne. xxxx xxxx"

Around 150 Royal Marines attended the 40-minute service, led by the Rev Peter Lawley. Many in the congregation - which numbered around 400 - fought back tears as Marine Davies's brother, Sergeant Warren Davies, 34, read the poem Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep.