'Dutchy', 23, killed on brink of new life

Royal Marine Jonathan Holland's death was the second tragedy to hit his family in a week. The news reached his mother, Bernadette Shorrock, as she was preparing for the funeral of her sister, Olga, who died after a fall at her home.

Marine "Dutchy" Holland, from 45 Commando, died of his injuries after a mine explosion near Sangin, in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, last Wednesday. He was 23.

The Lancashire-born Marine had been due to come home from Afghanistan within days and set up home with his girlfriend, Hayley, when he was killed on a routine patrol.

His mother said: "The family is devastated by the news of Jonathan's death... He had a healthy appetite for all that life offered ...He was planning to settle down with his fiancée and go into business with his younger brother."

Marine Holland, who was a keen martial arts fan, joined the Royal Marines in 2002 and was the longest-serving member of Whiskey Company.

Also last Wednesday, Marine Scott Summers died of injuries sustained in a road accident earlier this month. The two deaths bring the number of British servicemen killed in Afghanistan since operations began in November 2001 to 48.

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