Marine killed in Afghanistan named

Corporal Robert Christopher Deering, 33, from Solihull, West Midlands, died instantly in a blast in Helmand Province on Sunday.

An armoured personnel carrier was damaged by an explosion which injured three people, and as Cpl Deering went to try to repair the vehicle there was a second blast which killed him instantly.

The Royal Marine specialised as a mechanic and spent most of his career at the Commando Logistic Regiment in north Devon, although his home was in Sheldon, Birmingham. His family said in a statement: "We are missing Rob deeply."

Colonel Andy Maynard, Cpl Deering's commanding officer, said: "Cpl Rob Deering had the heart of a lion and the courage to match. Having served on operations with the Royal Marines around the globe in Kosovo, Iraq and once before in Afghanistan, he was no stranger to risk - but faced up to it, displaying the finest qualities of the Commando Spirit: courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness.

"The latter in particular was a trait that he is remembered for as a larger-than-life and popular man, who loved eating and drinking in good company. The mountain of Christmas parcels he received is testament to his popularity."

Cpl Deering loved fast cars, fitness and being with his fiancee, Gemma, whom he had recently moved in with, his colleagues said.

His Squadron Commander, Major Thornton Daryl Hirst, said: "A proud Royal Marine, impressive commander and exceptionally fit man, Cpl Deering will leave a void in many lives that will be impossible to fill.

"Cruelly and tragically taken from us, he will be missed greatly by all who had the privilege to know him."

Defence Secretary John Hutton said: "The death of Cpl Deering hits particularly hard at a time when we're all thinking more of family and loved ones."