Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2010 Lance Corporal Michael Taylor from Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in Afghanistan during an exchange of fire with insurgent forces in the Sangin district of Helmand province. He was manning one of the sangars in the patrol base when the incident occurred. He had served as a soldier before joining the Royal Marines in 2004, and served in Iraq as well as a previous tour in Afghanistan. Major Ed Moorhouse said: “I have lost one of my best. Lance Corporal Mike Taylor was exceptional and I shall miss him greatly. He was promoted within weeks of arriving in Charlie Company; it was the most natural thing to do. He was a rare quality - modest, reserved, thoughtful and yet a natural leader of men. His leadership had an air of quiet accomplishment; there was no need for excess verbosity with Mike, his presence and manner alone inspired, mentored and guided those Royal Marines in his charge. In watching this natural demeanour one could not be more humbled; many aspire to it and very few have it, Mike Taylor had it in abundance, the archetypal Royal Marines Commando; strong, powerful and unquestionable in his professionalism. His back was adorned with a Commando Dagger flanked by two Welsh Dragons; there was no man prouder of his profession or his country. He was a Royal Marines Commando, a Charlie Company Spartan and a fine leader of men and this is his legacy. Mike Taylor may you Rest in Peace.” Michael, from Rhyl, was 30 years old, he left behind his partner and three children.