Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan blast named

A Royal Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Sunday has been named Marine Scott Gregory Taylor, of Alpha Company, 40 Commando.

He died on foot patrol near Sangin. His death brings the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 289.

The 21-year-old from Buxton, Derbyshire, deployed to Sangin in April, and was described as "an outstanding marine".

Of eight British personnel killed in Afghanistan in May, four were marines.

The Ministry of Defence said Marine Taylor died after an explosion while he and Alpha Company were on foot patrol to help reassure the local population and to increase security around Sangin.

Lt Col Paul James, commanding officer of 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said: "Marine Scott Taylor was everything I needed in a Bootneck; proud but not arrogant, loyal but still independent, courageous but not foolhardy, he was an outstanding marine.

"Brave, strong, bright and physically very fit, he was an utterly selfless man, who was often unassuming, preferring instead to let his actions speak for him - and they spoke with power and tumult."

He said Marine Taylor was a "a giant in the gymnasium, a consummate professional and a true mate to his friends" who died on patrol as the 'point man, leading the men who he had grown to love like brothers'.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother and father, his brother Marine Liam Taylor and all his friends and family.

"He will be sadly missed by all in 40 Commando... and will always be, a Royal Marine Commando."

Marine Taylor joined the Royal Marines in September 2007 and followed his younger brother to pass for duty as a commando the following year.

He joined Alpha Company and took part in exercises to Cyprus and Turkey and jungle warfare training in Brunei.

In September last year he began training for his operation in Sangin, where, from April, he was based out of Patrol Base Jamil.

His family said: "Scotty was the perfect son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who would do anything for anybody no matter who they were, always caring and respectful.

"He loved his family and lit up the room with his smile. He had a wicked sense of humour and was loyal, caring and brave, never showing pain.

"He will leave a void in everyone's lives who knew him that can never be filled."