Marine war hero killed alongside patrol leader in Helmand

A Royal Marine hero who won a medal for saving a wounded collegue in a previous tour of Afghanistan has been named as one of the victims of a Taliban bomb.

Marine Sam Alexander, 28, from Hammersmith in west London, died alongside 23-year-old Lieutenant Ollie Augustin, from Kent, when they were caught in the blast from an improvised explosive device on Friday.

The men, both from 42 Commando Royal Marines, were on patrol in the Loy Mandeh area of Helmand’s Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province when they were killed, the Ministry of Defence said.

Marine Alexander was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry by the Queen in 2009, after he saved a wounded comrade by charging at insurgents with his pistol to provide cover.

The citation for the medal said he acted bravely “despite being completely exposed to heavy and accurate enemy fire”.

Sam was so special. He was the gentlest of men but tough when he needed to be. Wife Claire

His wife Claire, the mother of his one-year-old son Leo, said: “Sam was so special. He was the gentlest of men but tough when he needed to be. He risked his safety for his friends but never batted an eyelid.

“Sam was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He was our rock and my best friend. He has been taken from me all too soon. We both love him and will miss him very much.”

The Marine’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Murchison, said he was a “truly remarkable” man.

He added: “Decorated during his last tour of Afghanistan for gallantry, he embodied all the finest attributes of a Royal Marines Commando: he was courageous, selfless, resolute, loyal and cheerful in the face of adversity.”

Passionate and selfless leader

Lt Augustin, who was leading the patrol when the bomb went off, was described as a passionate and selfless leader.

His parents, Jane and Sean, said: “Ollie was a much loved and cherished son. He was a beautiful boy who we were very proud of. He had many friends that he loved and who loved him in return.

“His warmth and humour lit a room and infected all around him. He dealt with people in a thoughtful and compassionate way. His independence and sense of adventure meant that he embraced life and his chosen path.”

The deaths bring the total number of British military fatalities in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 368.