Funeral For Marine In Hampshire

The funeral of a Royal Marine killed while on patrol in Afghanistan took place today with full military honours.

Marine Adam Brown, 25, from 40 Commando, died when a improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on August 1 in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

Today, his widow Amy and parents Jenny and Robert joined family and friends for the service at St Peter's Church in Marine Brown's home village of Yateley, Hampshire.

His Union flag-draped coffin was taken into the church by pall bearers from the Royal Marines.

Mr Brown said in a eulogy that his son was determined, brave and had courage.

"He grew into a special man entirely comfortable with the path that he trod,'' he told mourners.

"Farewell my precious son, I love you too.''

Marine Brown's widow also read out a poem in honour of her husband.

A three-volley salute was then fired outside the medieval church.

The funeral service was followed by a private burial.

Speaking following his death, the serviceman's parents described their son's death as an "irreplaceable'' loss.

His wife also paid tribute and described her husband as "her hero''.

She said: "You are a true inspiration to all who knew you and you made me the proudest woman in the world when I became your wife. I love you now, always and forever.''

Marine Brown joined the Royal Marines in 2004 and married his childhood sweetheart Amy in December 2009.

On August 1 he was part of a reassurance patrol from 3 Troop, Alpha Company, helping to provide security for local people, when he was killed by the explosion.