Military honours for dead marine

Marine David Marsh was given a full military burial

Hundreds of mourners have honoured a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan.

David Marsh, who was 23 and from Sheffield, was serving with the Somerset-based 40 Commando when he was killed by a roadside bomb in March.

Lt John Thornton was also killed. Marine Marsh's full military funeral and burial brought Bolsterstone, in South Yorkshire, to a standstill.

His widow Claire and daughter Molly held hands as they walked behind his coffin through a guard of honour.

'Lone bugler'

Mourners at Tuesday's service at St Mary's Church in the village were crammed into every available space, with some forced to wait outside.

Full military ceremony was observed in the churchyard for his burial with a 10-strong Royal Marines firing party and a lone bugler.

Marine Marsh, known as Dave, died on March 30 alongside Lieutenant John Thornton, 22, when their vehicle was caught in a blast while they were patrolling near Kajaki, in Helmand Province.

Marine David Marsh died in a roadside explosion

Both men were serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines.

Marine Marsh joined the Royal Marines in 2002 and served in Northern Ireland and as part of the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, helping to protect the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent.

He joined 40 Commando Royal Marines in December 2006.

Marine Marsh had just moved to Taunton, Somerset, with his wife and daughter.

The couple were married almost exactly a year ago.

The incident happened just before the marines were due home from a six-month tour.

An inquest into the deaths has been opened and adjourned.