By Ralph Barnett

A ROYAL Marine serving with Arbroath-based 45 Commando died yesterday after his patrol came under attack from a suicide bomber in southern Afghanistan.

The serviceman, who has not been named, sustained serious injuries when the attack took place outside an Afghan National Police station in Lashkar Gah, the capital of trouble-torn Helmand province, shortly before 11am local time.

The badly-injured marine was airlifted to hospital but he died later as a result of his wounds.

A second marine, also from 45 Commando, was seriously injured in the attack and yesterday he was described as being “very seriously ill” in the UK field hospital at Camp Bastion.

Two children were also killed in the attack, which occurred as a NATO convoy left the police station near the governor’s compound.

The identities of the two marines are being withheld to allow their families to be informed.

Personnel from the RM Condor base arrived in the region less than two weeks ago when they, as part of 3 Commando Brigade, took over duties from 16 Air Assault Brigade.

One of their main roles was to act as mentors to the Afghan National Army, with the aim of paving the way towards restoring control to the country’s government.

Helmand province has seen increased violence between insurgents supporting the Taliban, and NATO-led and Afghan forces this year.

In an official statement yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said, “It is with deep regret and a great deal of sorrow that we can confirm the death of a Royal Marine from 45 Commando in an explosion in Lashkar Gah.

“The attack took place at a little before 11am local time and was the result of a suicide bomb against a military convoy that was exiting the Afghan National Police station.

“During the attack, one other Royal Marine was injured and is currently in the UK field hospital at Camp Bastion and listed as very seriously ill.

“The Royal Marine who died was injured in the initial incident but, sadly, later died of his wounds despite being airlifted to hospital and receiving the best possible medical attention.

“Next of kin have been informed and have requested a period of time to inform their close family and friends before the identity of the marine is revealed.

“They have requested that the media respect their privacy at this distressing time.”

Helmand Task Force commander Brigadier Jerry Thomas, said, “Our thoughts are very much with the families, friends and colleagues of those who were killed and injured today in this cowardly and indiscriminate attack.

“We should not forget that innocent Afghans going about their daily business were also injured, including two children who were killed today.”

Brig Thomas added, “My troops are performing their jobs here with admirable courage and professionalism and will continue to do so after this attack.

“This has not deterred us from our mission, which is to support the legitimate government of Afghanistan in providing security and reconstruction for ordinary Afghans.”

Angus MP Mike Weir said, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of these two men and the families of all those affected.

“We all knew the commandos were going into a very dangerous situation but we had obviously hoped they would carry out their duties and then all return home safely.

“They are professional troops who do a fantastic job but this will be a terrible blow not only to the families affected but also to the town and to the wider community of Angus that one of our own has been lost.”

Angus MSP Andrew Welsh said, “This very sad news brings home to us all the harsh reality of war and the reality of the duty done by our professional service personnel on our behalf.

“Our Royal Marines are the most highly trained and highly skilled members of our armed forces and we are rightly proud that they are prepared and willing to do their duty and risk their lives on our behalf.

“For that they deserve the greatest of respect and my thoughts go out to those who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Eric Bell, the chairman of the Angus branch of the Royal Marines Association, said, “When I first heard of the attack on the news I had a bad feeling about it because I obviously knew that was where the guys from Condor were based.

“Every time the unit goes on operational duties everyone hopes that they will come home again without sustaining casualties but, given the theatre of war they have gone into and the terrain, the sad truth is that there were almost bound to be casualties this time.

“This is absolutely dreadful news for everyone associated with the unit and if there is any support that the Royal Marines Association can give the families or personnel of 45 Commando then we will be first in line.”