Tributes to marines who died in Afghan bomb blast

Published on Friday 14 November 2008 21:46

TWO Royal Marines killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Wednesday were yesterday named as Robert McKibben and Neil Dunstan.

The two soldiers died during a patrol in Garmsir district of southern Helmand, Afghanistan.

Their vehicle was hit by a bomb blast as they patrolled with Afghan security forces.

Marine McKibben, 32, who was from Westport, County Mayo, in the Irish Republic, was well-known in his home town and a former pupil of Rice College secondary school.

A statement from his family said: "He was so full of life and was loved so much by his family and by all his friends. Robbie has left a huge void in our hearts and he will never be forgotten."

Local priest, Father Micheal Mannion, said: "Everyone in the family is in terrible shock. It's a nightmare scenario to lose a son and a brother in such tragic circumstances."

Marine Dunstan, also 32, was from Bournemouth and was due to marry his fiancee, Katie Miller, in the summer of 2010. She said: "Neil was so proud to be a marine and lived each day to the full. He was my soulmate and the love of my life. Neil was very much loved by all the family."

The two soldiers were from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, working to gather information to improve troops' awareness of the surrounding area and conditions.

Their deaths bring the total number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 124.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew McInerney said: "Marine Robert Joseph McKibben was a larger-than-life character, with an easy smile and quick wit. He was an immensely capable man, yet his humility made him an example and inspiration to all he served with.

"A true Commando, tough, unassuming and hugely convivial, he viewed life as a glass half-full.

He was held dear by his colleagues and leaves a great void with his passing.

"Marine Neil David Dunstan possessed Commando qualities in abundance. His quiet confidence and humility was an inspiration to all those who worked with him.

"A quiet but natural leader, his maturity and intellect made him a valued role model and mentor to the men with whom he served."