L/Cpl Michael Jones, Royal Marines

[SO19]

Lance Corporal Michael Jones Royal Marines killed in Afghanistan
31 Jul 07

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Michael Jones Royal Marines during operations in southern Afghanistan on Sunday 29 July 2007.



Lance Corporal Michael Jones RM

Lance Corporal Michael Jones RM was killed in action in Afghanistan on 29 July 2007, at the age of 26. Raised in Newbald, Yorkshire, he was born on 2 February 1981 and joined the Royal Marines aged 18 on 8 February 1999. Through eight years of meritorious service, he served on operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His Commanding Officer said:

"Michael was a truly exceptional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, the best at his level, who unflinchingly stood, time after time, shoulder to shoulder with his friends in the very worst of conditions. It will be impossible to replace Michael. He will be remembered as a genuine and loyal friend whose selfless bravery whilst assaulting a formidable Taliban position is an example to us all."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"Lance Corporal Jones was an experienced and courageous Royal Marine. His significant contribution towards the defence of his country will not be forgotten and his loss will be felt by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades."

LCpl Jones’s family have requested the media respects their privacy as they come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... nistan.htm

[SO19]

My deepest sympathies to all his family.

Rest in Peace Michael.

[SO19]

Special Forces hero dies in Afghanistan's black month
Last updated at 10:07am on 31st July 2007

A British Special Forces hero has been killed in a battle with Taliban fanatics in southern Afghanistan, in the worst month for British casualties on the ground in the past year.

The SBS (Special Boat Service) member - officially referred to as a Royal Marine due to the secrecy surrounding his unit - died as an elite team tried to arrest a 'high value target' during a snatch raid on Sunday, insiders said.

He was the fourth British serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan in just five days, the sixth since the start of July and the 68th since UK operations began in 2001.

Lieutenant Colonel Claudia Foss, of the ISAF, said: "ISAF mourns the loss of this brave soldier. He gave his life for a better future for Afghanistan."

Despite the commando's death around 30 Taliban fighters were killed in the SBS operation, according to reports.

The spike in casualties follows the launch of a large-scale offensive involving 1,000 British troops attacking insurgent positions in northern Helmand province to drive them away from the strategically vital town of Gereshk.

The aim is to clear an area known as the 'dark heart of the Taliban'. Defence sources said the SBS member was taking part in a separate operation outside Helmand province, where the bulk of the UK's 7,700-strong force is fighting Taliban insurgents.

The surge in casualties underlines the continuing threat posed by the Taliban, more than a year after UK forces were deployed into Helmand province to try to extend Afghan government control.

Although British commanders admit they have come close to disaster on occasions, UK units have won every battle against the insurgents and inflicted heavy casualties.

But the Taliban benefit from a flow of fresh fighters and supplies, mostly crossing the border from Pakistan in the south, and senior officers admit that killing Taliban supporters often serves only to turn ordinary Afghans against the British and their allies, making the 'hearts and minds' battle more difficult.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/a ... ge_id=1811

[harry hackedoff]

Deepest condolences to Mike`s family, friends and to all Members of SB who feel this tragic loss so deeply
God help you all.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning.

We Will Remember Them.

We Will Remember Them,









Lest We Forget

[Murphy]

My sincere condolences to Mike's family, friends and colleagues in Special Boats.

Rest in Peace, Royal

[veloman]

RIP Michael

V