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| MoD names gun death Royal Marine | MoD names gun death Royal Marine |
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| The mother of a Royal Marine killed in a gun battle with Taleban forces in Afghanistan has paid tribute to a soldier his family regarded as a hero. | The mother of a Royal Marine killed in a gun battle with Taleban forces in Afghanistan has paid tribute to a soldier his family regarded as a hero. |
| Richard Watson, 23, from Caterham, Surrey, died after his unit came under attack in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan on Tuesday. | Richard Watson, 23, from Caterham, Surrey, died after his unit came under attack in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan on Tuesday. |
| Marine Watson, from Plymouth-based 42 Commando, was flown to Camp Bastion where he was declared dead. | |
| "He died doing his duty among beloved comrades," said his mother Tania. | "He died doing his duty among beloved comrades," said his mother Tania. |
| "He died as a Royal Marine, he died with the love of his family within him. | "He died as a Royal Marine, he died with the love of his family within him. |
| "In or out of his uniform, Richard was and remains our hero - a loving son, dedicated brother and devoted boyfriend." | "In or out of his uniform, Richard was and remains our hero - a loving son, dedicated brother and devoted boyfriend." |
| He had already made his mark as a natural leader and candidate for promotion Lt Col Matt Holmes | |
| No other servicemen were injured in the attack which happened as British forces were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, in north Helmand. | No other servicemen were injured in the attack which happened as British forces were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, in north Helmand. |
| The Commander of the UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas RM, said the company remained "fully committed" to providing support to the Afghan government. | The Commander of the UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas RM, said the company remained "fully committed" to providing support to the Afghan government. |
| Marine Watson's mother said on Wednesday her son would have wanted her to tell his colleagues to take good care of themselves. | Marine Watson's mother said on Wednesday her son would have wanted her to tell his colleagues to take good care of themselves. |
| She said: "He was fanatically enthusiastic throughout every single day of his short life. | She said: "He was fanatically enthusiastic throughout every single day of his short life. |
| "He brought so much joy and happiness to our home, a home that now feels cold and empty." | "He brought so much joy and happiness to our home, a home that now feels cold and empty." |
| His death brings the toll of British Forces personnel in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 to 43. | |
| Marine Watson, known as Richie, joined the Royal Marines in June 2005 and was sent to Afghanistan earlier this year. | |
| Marine Watson was killed after a firefight in Helmand province | |
| His commanding officer, Lt Col Matt Holmes, said he had an infectious sense of humour and loved to play the joker, but also had a selfless and diligent work ethic and loved his job. | |
| "Marine Watson will be sorely missed, all the more because of the man he was," he said. | |
| "A strong and highly motivated Marine, Richie was inspirational, leading his young team from the front into hostile territory. | |
| "He had already made his mark within his fighting company as a natural leader and candidate for promotion. | |
| "But he will also be remembered as a warm and passionate man who was ever cheerful, and who smiled through the hardships that he encountered, not least here on operations. | |
| "Our thoughts and heart-felt condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time." | |
| Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Marine Watson died while doing an exceptional job for his country and for the people of Afghanistan, and I am sure that his memory will continue to inspire his colleagues in the future." | |
| Prime Minister Tony Blair told the House of Commons he sent his condolences to Marine Watson's family and friends. |