Father salutes marine killed in Afghan suicide attack

The father of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan when a military convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber said he died doing the work he loved.

Gary Wright, 22, of 45 Commando Royal Marines, died from injuries suffered in the explosion in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, yesterday.

His father, Ian Wright, said tonight that his family are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.

In a short statement released through the Ministry of Defence, he said: "Gary was totally dedicated to the Royal Marines. He loved his work, and he loved the Marines."

Another Royal Marine was very seriously injured in the attack, which happened as vehicles were leaving the Afghan National Police Station.

The MoD said he is in the UK field hospital at Camp Bastion and is described as being "very seriously ill".

Marine Wright's death brought the toll of fatalities of British Forces personnel in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 to 41.

Senior officers in Afghanistan paid tribute to the young marine, who was based in Arbroath, Scotland.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar, said: "He was an excellent Marine who died doing the job he loved."

He added: "Marine Wright was an outstanding young Royal Marine whose determination and professional ability led to his selection as a member of our highly specialised Recce Troop.

"Extremely popular with a good sense of humour, he was very highly thought of by everyone who worked with him.

"He was an excellent Marine who died doing the job he loved, and will be missed by all his friends in 45 Commando.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time."

Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the Helmand Task Force, said his thoughts were with the families, friends and colleagues of those hurt in the "cowardly" attack.

He said: "This has not deterred us from our mission, which is to support the legitimate government of Afghanistan in providing security and reconstruction for ordinary Afghans."

Brig Thomas said his troops were performing their jobs in Afghanistan with "admirable courage and professionalism" and would continue to do so, despite the incident.

Marine Wright joined the Royal Marines in October 2002 and went on an operational tour of Northern Ireland.

He was a passionate supporter of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, and had played for their youth teams as a boy. He was also a fan of cars and motorbikes.

A spokesman for Rangers FC said: "We were saddened to hear of Gary's tragic death. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

He said the club would be sending a letter of condolence to Marine Wright's family.