Fifth Somerset Marine Killed in Afghanistan Repatriated

21 year old Marine Anthony Hotine from Taunton based 40 Commando will be repatriated to RAF Lyneham today (Thursday) before his coffin is driven through Wootton Bassett.

The Royal Marine, from Wiltshire, died in an explosion while on a foot patrol with Afghan soldiers in Sangin in Helmand province on June 2nd.

His death brings the number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 290.

He's the fifth 40 Commando to die in Helmand Province since they deployed in April.

You can leave your tributes to our fallen Marines at our Heart Somerset News Facebook Page (link above)

Marine Hotine's family paid the following tribute:

"We are so proud of Anthony; he lived and breathed the Royal Marines and he was a 'Bootneck' through and through. Words cannot describe the devastating sense of loss felt across the whole family; he was an amazing son, big brother and grandson to us all.
 
"He was the life and soul of any party and his passing will leave a huge hole in the hearts of everybody who loved and knew him. He lit up a room with his smile and always lived every day to the full. We are so lucky to have had him in our lives and he will always be part of us. 'Tino' you will be missed, never forgotten, and very much loved forever."

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said:

"Marine Anthony Hotine was a brilliant young man who was at the height of his profession: bright, selfless, dedicated and keen-spirited, he was an outstanding Marine. Having previously served in Sangin a little over a year ago, he wanted to return next year for his third deployment - he was one of the most loyally committed men I have ever met.

"An ambitious character who always had a plan, he strove for greatness, both in his life and in his work, and invariably achieved it. He had an infectious wit, a sharp mind and a big and generous heart.

"He sadly died on patrol in southern Sangin doing the job he loved, alongside the Marines he so passionately cared for and with the friends who so loved him in return. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all in 40 Commando. Marine Tino Hotine was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando."

Major Sean Brady, Officer Commanding Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:

"Marine Anthony Dean Hotine, known as Tino to everyone in Alpha Company, was the signaller for Patrol Base Jamil and although he was only 21 he was one of the more experienced Marines as he had previously served in the same area when he was with 45 Commando Royal Marines on Op HERRICK 9.

"Despite the fact that he joined Alpha Company part way through Mission Specific Training, he immediately fitted in and he quickly demonstrated that he was an excellent signaller who instinctively understood how to support his fellow Marines when on the ground.

"Quiet and kind-hearted by nature, he took pride in everything he did and he was constantly looking to improve himself. Professionalism matters in the Royal Marines, it is what we are all judged on first and foremost, and I have no qualms about saying that Tino was one of the best I have worked with.

"And it is for that reason that the lads loved and respected him. Moreover, it is impossible to doubt his courage; he knew the dangers involved in operating here and he willingly accepted them on a daily basis, but importantly he did so whilst retaining his sense of humour and generosity towards others.

"He was always willing to give that little extra of himself, no matter what the price, and that is what made him the ideal Royal Marine Commando. The concept of 'marching to the sound of the drums' may seem anachronistic in today's world; however it perfectly describes Tino's attitude to his job and to his life.

"He will be sorely missed by all within Alpha Company and the wider Corps. However, the sorrow we feel is overshadowed by that of his family and friends and all of our thoughts and prayers are with them now and forever."