Yorkshire Commando killed on eve of his 24th birthday

A Royal Marine from Yorkshire, described as "a perfect Commando" by his commanding officer, was killed on the eve of his 24th birthday in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Marine David Hart, 23, of 40 Commando, died on Thursday after he was caught in a blast while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said: "Diligent, loyal, utterly dedicated and completely selfless, he was a perfect Commando.

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"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."

The Ministry of Defence said Marine Hart stood out as one of the top recruits when he started training in February last year.

When he passed out eight months later, he was awarded The Commando Medal which is only given to those who show an outstanding degree of courage, unselfishness, determination and cheerfulness under adversity, qualities which the Royal Navy says defines "the Commando spirit".

His parents Dilys and Chris Hart, from Upper Poppleton, near York, said: "Throughout his life David showed the qualities of the Commando spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone.

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"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." His sister Sarah Hart added: "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."

There was more bloodshed in Afghanistan yesterday when at least 11 police officers and government official were killed in militant attacks.

Militants attacked a checkpoint overnight in Kunduz province near Tajikistan, killing at least six border police. Also in Kunduz, militants remotely detonated a bomb as the chief of Qala Zal district was passing in his car, killing him and his bodyguard. Five other police died when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Badakshan province.