British soldier killed in Afghanistan named
Royal Marine died leading his men into action on Christmas Eve
Published:
A BRITISH soldier killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve has now been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Lance Corporal Benjamin Whatley, 20, of King’s Lynn in Norfolk, was killed by enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali District of central Helmand while leading his men into action. The Royal Marine is the 136th UK serviceman to die in Afghanistan since operations started in October 2001.
A statement released on behalf of his family said: “Ben was a vibrant, happy person who had an unbridled enthusiasm for life. He was so proud to be a Royal Marine. His death creates an irreplaceable loss for all his family and friends.”
His commanding officer in 42 Commando Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Stickland, said: “His loss has rocked the entire Commando, particularly the tight and combat hardened band of warriors that are ‘Lightening’ Lima Company.
“Lance Corporal Ben Whatley sat at the heart of a group of comrades bound together through rugged shared experiences.”
The mother of a marine killed in Afghanistan nearly two years ago yesterday paid tribute to L/Cpl Whatley on a memorial website.
“You brave boys deserve so much more recognition than you currently get,” wrote Lizzie Reddy, whose son Ben was killed in March 2007, on the website Gonetoosoon.
“You boys will never be forgotten. We all owe you so much for paying the ultimate sacrifice.”
Marine Ben Reddy, 22, who came from Ascot, Berkshire, and was a member of K Company, 42 Commando, was killed when his unit came under fire in Helmand province.
