Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2010, Marine Steven James Birdsall from Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, as a result of a gunshot wound he suffered in Afghanistan the previous day. Bravo Company had been providing security to Royal Engineers who were reinforcing the defences at one of the UK Check Points in Sangin when they came under fire. His comrades remember him as a "quiet lad with a huge personality" and an "unparalleled" sense of humour. From Lieutenant Jon Phelps: "Marine Birdsall was a fantastic marine who showed huge potential for the future. A rising star of the present generation of young Marines, he was always selfless in how he went about his business. Unassuming, intelligent and professional until the last, he could always be relied upon no matter what the task. It was this, ‘can do’ attitude and adaptability that often placed him in positions requiring a special dependency in a man; something he relished. Marine Birdsall was the ideal Marine who made my job a lot easier. He truly embodied the values of the Corps. His character is irreplaceable, and will be sorely missed by all of 11 Troop. It is a testament to his determination that he was strong enough to hold on until he was back in the UK with his family. Rest in Peace Royal." Steven, from Warrington, was 20 years old.