Mathew Ford

Lance Corporal Mathew Ford, from 45 Commando Royal Marines, died when elements of 45 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate offensive operation to the south of Garmsir in southern Helmand, Afghanistan.

The Royal Marine Commandos were attacking a major Taliban fort. This entailed them crossing a river, assaulting a walled compound and engaging in close quarter fighting. It was during the initial breach of the compound that Lance Corporal Ford was shot and killed instantly.

His section came under fire as soon as they disembarked from their Viking Armoured Vehicles having crossed the river. Lance Corporal Ford then led his section with complete disregard for his own safety and was closing with the enemy when he was shot.

The Commander of UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, said:

"I know that this is a very difficult time for his family and his friends, but I do want to convey my sincere condolences and let them know that our thoughts are very much with them."

Lance Corporal Ford joined the Royal Marines on 23 April 2001 after going to college and working locally. After passing out from the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon where he earned the coveted Green Beret, he joined 1 Assault Group Royal Marines in Poole.

He went on to complete military driver training at Leconfield before joining the Commando Logistic Regiment near Barnstaple in Devon. From there, he then returned to Lympstone to be trained as a heavy weapons specialist before joining 45 Commando in Arbroath, Scotland in October 2004.

During his time in 45 Commando, he deployed to Norway where he completed the arduous Cold Weather Warfare Course at the beginning of 2006. Later on, in October 2006, he deployed to Afghanistan with Zulu Company for Operation Herrick 5.

Lance Corporal Ford was a fine example of a Royal Marine. He was popular and well respected by all in his Troop, largely because of his dry sense of humour and ability to see the lighter side of life. Nonetheless, in all he did he was very professional and diligent, and could be relied upon in every way.

He was someone who looked out for those around him and was generous and unselfish, always prepared to help his colleagues. In his Troop he could be relied upon to lift morale regardless of the situation or mood. Outside of work, he took great pride in his tattoos and found regular solace in his wide-ranging film collection.

Above all Lance Corporal Ford lifted the spirits of all the many members of 45 Commando who knew him well.

Lance Corporal Ford’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar RM, said:

"Lance Corporal Ford was a popular and gregarious young Royal Marine whose professionalism, reliability, and selflessness as well as his sharp wit marked him out from the crowd. His intellect and initiative resulted in his being promoted to Lance Corporal and put in command of his peers.

"He was an excellent Royal Marine and promising Junior Commander who died doing the job he loved and will be sorely missed by all his friends in 45 Commando. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time."