Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Marine Jonathan Holland, 45 Commando, Royal Marines, died as a result of injuries sustained from a mine strike, while on a routine patrol in the Sangin Valley, Helmand Province - and at the time of his death he was the longest serving member of Whiskey Company, a fact of which he was extremely proud.

He joined the Royal Marines in 2002, and in 2003 he deployed on Operation FRESCO, fighting fires during the firemen’s strike, before deploying on peace-keeping duties to Northern Ireland on Operation BANNER. Following an injury, he became Company Clerk for a while, but worked hard to regain full fitness and set his heart on deploying to Afghanistan in October 2006. He is remembered for being a kind and unselfish man, gregarious, outgoing and extremely popular, with a legendary sense of humour.

Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar RM, said of him: “Marine Holland epitomised the exacting standards of professionalism that we aspire to within the Royal Marines. He set the very best of examples and was a truly loyal friend to many of the Marines within the Unit. His death has been deeply shocking and we are profoundly saddened by his loss. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Jonathan, from Chorley, was 23 years old and engaged to be married.