MARINE SAMUEL GILES WILLIAM ALEXANDER MC

JULIET COMPANY 42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES - COMBINED FORCE NAD-E ALI (NORTH)

Marine Sam Alexander MC was born on 16 June 1982 in Hammersmith, London, where he grew up with his mother, Serena, father Stuart and sister, Sophie. He was married to Claire in November 2009 and their son Leo was born in July 2010.

He joined the Royal Marines in July 2006 and passed fit for duty in October 2007. On completion of training, Marine Alexander MC was appointed to the Fire Support Group in Mike Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines. He later moved to Kilo Company and deployed on Operation HERRICK 9, during which he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. On his return from operations he trained as a Heavy Weapons (Anti-Tank) specialist and was appointed to Juliet Company, before returning to Afghanistan for Operation HERRICK 14.

On Friday 27 May 2011 Marine Alexander MC was part of a patrol, operating in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province. His patrol was tasked to disrupt insurgent activity in their perceived rear area and provide depth to the Clear, Hold, Build Operation occurring to the North in Loy Mandeh Kalay further to expand
the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. During that patrol Marine Alexander MC was fatally injured in an Improvised Explosive Device blast that also claimed the life of Lieutenant Ollie Augustin, Royal Marines.

Claire, Marine Alexander's wife, said:

"Sam was so special. He was the gentlest of men but tough when he needed to be. He risked his safety for his friends but never batted an eyelid. It was his job and a job he did well. Sam was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He was our rock and my best friend. He has been taken from me all too soon. We both love him and will miss him very much. These are all special guys who, for whatever reason, join a very tough band of blokes who willingly die for each other without a second thought. I just hope his death was not in vain"

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LIEUTENANT OLIVER RICHARD AUGUSTIN ROYAL MARINES

JULIET COMPANY 42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES - COMBINED FORCE NAD-E ALI (NORTH)

Lieutenant Ollie Augustin Royal Marines was born in Kent on 16 March 1988. He attended Dartford Grammar School before leaving aged 18 to spend a year travelling. During this time he spent 2 months volunteering at a school in Kenya before travelling down to South Africa through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. He then flew on to Australia where he spent 6 months working, before concluding his travels in New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii. On return, whilst undergoing the application procedure to join the Royal Marines as a Commissioned Officer, he studied at Bexley College and was employed as a fitter and plasterer.

Lieutenant Augustin Royal Marines began Officer Training in September 2009, passing fit for duty in December 2010. His first appointment was in Command of Fire Support Group, Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines.

On Friday 27 May 2011 Lieutenant Augustin was leading a patrol, operating in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province. His patrol was tasked to disrupt insurgent activity in their perceived rear area and provide depth to the Clear, Hold, Build Operation occurring to the north in Loy Mandeh Kalay further to expand
the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. During that patrol Lieutenant Augustin was fatally injured in an Improvised Explosive Device blast that also claimed the life of Marine Sam Alexander MC.

He leaves behind his father Sean, his mother Jane and his sister Sarah. Lieutenant Augustin's mum and dad, Jane and Sean, said:

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