A MARINE based at Norton Manor Camp who was killed in Afghanistan on the eve of his 24th birthday has been named as Matthew Harrison.

Marine Harrison, of Hemel Hempstead, died in Camp Bastion hospital after being shot by the Taliban while on a reassurance patrol with the Afghan Army in Sangin on Tuesday.

He was among the top recruits of his intake, winning a diamond award and the King’s Badge as the best all-round recruit.

His parents, Brian and Janette said: “Matthew was a quiet, warm-hearted guy, absolutely dependable.

“He was boundless in energy, someone who couldn’t do anything in just half measures.

“He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

“Matt was unique, full of character and full of life, always up for a challenge.

“He was passionate about being a Marine and serving out on the front line.

“He died doing what he said he ‘needed to do’.

“Behind the marine, Matt had a sensitive soft heart; a precious, loveable son. Life is precious; only God knows how precious Matt was.”

His elder brother David, speaking on behalf of his brothers, said: “Matthew was an understated genius who could achieve anything he set his mind to.

“He will always be remembered for the passion and commitment shown while serving on the front line with 40 Commando.

“Matt’s short and action-packed life, depicted in true Harrison spirit, will be an enduring source of inspiration for those who were privileged enough to know him.

“He meant the world to me as a brother and will be sadly missed.”

Lieut Col Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said: “Marine Matt Harrison was brilliant in every sense; as a Royal Marine he was the consummate professional, and in personality he was irrepressible; always wearing his trademark beaming smile.

“His courage and enthusiasm inspired so many people. I knew him to be a man who was entirely selfless, loyal and dedicated.

“He was a young, bright and deeply impressive marine who had an inevitably promising career cut all too short.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, his brothers, his family and his friends.

“He was truly one of life’s great men and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando.

“Matt was an incredibly brave young man with such fantastic talent and potential, I have no doubt that had his life not been cut short he would have gone on to even greater things.”

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