Tribute paid to commando who died of natural causes

The wife of a Royal Marine commando who died in Afghanistan has paid tribute to the “loveliest” husband and father.

Father-of-three Captain Carl Manley, 41, died on Monday at Bagram Airforce Base from what are believed to be natural causes. It is believed he served with the elite Special Boat Service.

The Ministry of Defence described Capt Manley as a devoted husband and father who had served his nation with "dedication and courage" for more than 20 years.

His wife, who has not been named, said: "To us, Carl was the loveliest husband and father. We can't imagine life without him. We are so very proud of him and everything he has achieved, both professionally and for the family. Always smiling, he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Everything he did was selfless. The world has lost a really special person."

Capt Manley's commanding officer, who has also not been named, said: "His combination of ferocious work ethic and humility ensured that he made a sustained contribution to Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) operations on this and his previous tours of Afghanistan."