UK marine had 'heart of a lion'

Corporal Robert Deering was described as courageous and cheerful

A Royal Marine killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named as 33-year-old Corporal Robert Deering from Birmingham.

The serviceman, from the Devon-based Commando Logistics Regiment Royal Marines, was killed near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province on Sunday 21 December.

His death was the 135th suffered by UK troops in Afghanistan since 2001.

His commanding officer, Colonel Andy T W Maynard, said: "He had the heart of a lion and the courage to match."

The mountain of Christmas parcels he received is testament to his popularity Col Andy T W Maynard, commanding officer

Cpl Deering, who joined the Royal Marines in 1998, specialised as a vehicle mechanic.

On Sunday morning he was approaching a Viking armoured personnel carrier involved in an explosion to assess the damage when a second explosion took place, killing him instantly.

Three people were injured in the first explosion.

Cpl Deering's parents and sister said: "We are missing Rob deeply."

The serviceman, from the Sheldon area of Birmingham, had recently moved into a new home with his fiancee Gemma.

His commanding officer, Col Andy T W Maynard, said: "Corporal Rob Deering had the heart of a lion and the courage to match.

"He was no stranger to risk, but faced up to it with courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness.

"The mountain of Christmas parcels he received is testament to his popularity.

Community affected

"Collectively we reach out to support his parents, and his fiancee Gemma, and share their loss and their pain.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."

Cpl Deering spent most of his career with Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR), based at RMB Chivenor, north Devon.

Reverend Anne Thorne, from nearby St Brannock's church, said: "The whole community here love the lads at Chivenor, we're very proud of them.

"Whenever something like this happens it hits the whole community.

"We pray every day for the men."

Cpl Deering is the 11th serviceman from Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade to be killed since its deployment to Afghanistan in September.