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RGJ Association -> THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM. -> The Royal Green Jackets In Memorium Board -> Death of Rifleman Mark Marshall 6 Rifles
Post Info TOPIC: Death of Rifleman Mark Marshall 6 Rifles
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Rifleman Mark Marshall killed in Afghanistanrfnmmarshall.jpg


15 Feb 10

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Mark Marshall from 6th BATTALION, THE RIFLES, serving with 3 RIFLEs Battle Group was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 14 February 2010.

Rifleman Marshall was killed when an IED detonated while he was on a routine foot patrol providing reassurance and security to the local population near Forward Operating Base Inkerman to the north east of Sangin in Helmand province.

Rifleman Mark Marshall

Rifleman Mark Marshall was born in Exeter on 24 March 1980. He went to Saint Peters Church of England High School in Exeter where he gained a BTEC in Public Services before joining the Police as a Community Support Officer.

Rifleman Marshall joined 6 RIFLES, a Territorial Army Battalion, in October 2007 and attended training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick in October 2008. He completed an Assault Pioneer Cadre prior to mobilising to serve with the 3 RIFLES BG on Op HERRICK 11 in June 2009.

Rifleman Marshall was posted to C Company 3 RIFLES with whom he completed pre-deployment training before deploying to Kajaki in Northern Helmand. He served in Kajaki for two months before his Platoon was sent to occupy a Patrol Base in the northern part of the town of Sangin. Throughout this time Rifleman Marshall was employed as the point man in his patrol, charged with the clearance of the ground of Improvised Explosive Devices.

He leaves behind his mother, Lynn, his girlfriend, Hayley, and his brother and sister, Alex and Jo.

His mother, Mrs Lynn Marshall, paid the following tribute:

"I am hugely proud of my dear and beloved son; he lived life to the full and will be sorely missed by all."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer, 3 RIFLES Battle Group said:

"Rifleman Marshall was one of the willing band of volunteers who signed up to join the Battle Group on what they knew would be a most challenging tour. From the moment he arrived with his Company he had the respect and friendship of them all.

"A policeman by day and talented soldier by night, he epitomised everything that is great about our Reserve Forces and the men and women who serve in them. He displayed all the characteristics that I look for in a Rifleman; courage, selflessness and humour, and for these things he was treasured by those who worked alongside him.

"The dedication he showed in protecting his fellow Riflemen by diligently scouring the ground for devices, all the while working towards a better future for local Afghans, gives us great cause for pride and a real source of inspiration.

"The Battle Group will feel his loss most keenly as he provided a depth and colour to our ranks that will be difficult to replace. Our grief however will be as nothing compared to those closest to him. The thoughts and prayers of the Battle Group are with his family, friends and loved ones at this most difficult of times."
"Nothing was ever too difficult for him and he always went out of his way to help others even when tired and under pressure himself."

Major Mike Lynch

Lieutenant Colonel Tim House, Commanding Officer, 6 RIFLES said:

"Rifleman Marshall joined 6 RIFLES in October 2007. Already a thoroughly rounded, mature and thoughtful man with plenty of experience of life when he joined the Army, he quickly learned the skills necessary to become a highly effective and inquisitive soldier.

"He was a man who was typical of the modern Territorial Army Riflemen: committed, highly professional, intelligent and loyal. He was already showing clear leadership potential and his tour of Afghanistan would have made him a front runner in the Battalion for promotion.

"Indeed, his personal qualities and strength of character meant that he was always punching well above his weight and achieving far more than one would expect from our most junior ranks.

"For those of us who new him as a friend as well as a fellow Rifleman, Mark was a popular, sociable and highly regarded member of a close knit community within 6 RIFLES. He stands out as a man who was humorous, considerate of others and incredibly helpful.

"Rifleman Marshall was a great role model for younger, less experienced members of his platoon and was universally admired by us all. His death is a great loss to us all and his memory will inspire us to carry on where he left off.

"Finally, I would like to say that our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with Mark's family and friends at this dreadful time."

Major Mike Lynch, Officer Commanding, C Company 3 RIFLES said:

"Rifleman Marshall joined C Company at the beginning of Pre-Deployment Training from our sister Battalion, 6 RIFLES. He swiftly found a home here and you would have been forgiven for thinking that he had been with us for so much longer because he fitted in so well.

"During his initial interview Mark made it clear that he had signed up for the tour for the following reasons; to test myself, to meet new people and to face a new challenge'. I firmly believe that he achieved all these and much more.

"Throughout training he never stopped asking questions, always inquisitive and never satisfied until he fully understood every lesson in detail. He was a consummate professional, intelligent, highly motivated and not afraid of dragging others forward with him. Mark was a conscientious and selfless Rifleman and one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure to serve with.

"Nothing was ever too difficult for him and he always went out of his way to help others even when tired and under pressure himself. His maturity and modest nature helped him very quickly to become a strong and popular character within 7 Platoon."

"I spoke to Mark earlier in the tour about his future plans and he made it very clear that wanted to consider pursuing a career in the Army after his recent experiences and I am in no doubt that he would have had an outstanding career. His drive marked him out as a future leader of men and he was keen to put himself forward for the forthcoming JNCO cadre which I fully supported.

"The loss of Mark has left a huge gap in a very tight knit unit and we will all miss him dearly. He had such a big impact in a short space of time and his memory will live on with us all. All our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."
"For many Marshy became an instant surrogate big brother, a good listener but also a fountain of advice."

Captain Ben Shuttleworth

Lance Corporal Brent Meheux said:

"Mark, or Marshy' as he was known to his mates, and I met when we joined the TA together in 2007. As I got to know him he told me more about himself, how he'd always wanted to join up, but had somehow got sidetracked into working as a baker in a supermarket. After a few years he was made a department manager, but still felt unchallenged so left to join the police as a Community Support Officer.

"Yet still he had the nagging feeling that he had to join up and see if he had it in him to do the job, and so he joined the TA with the firm plan to go on the first tour he could. It became clear that Marshy had real strength of character. He wasn't the most athletic of people, but he never quit and always passed whatever test was put in front of him. On the coldest, wettest nights he never snapped and his humour would lift all around him.

"Straight out of Catterick, all were keen for him to go on the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers cadre, and again just before joining 3 RIFLES he was pushed to go on the course, but Marshy was adamant that it could wait until he had got an



-- Edited by administrator on Wednesday 17th of February 2010 09:43:08 AM

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Captain Ben Shuttleworth, Second in Command, A Company, 4 RIFLES, said:

"Rifleman Marshall was a deeply popular character within 7 Platoon. As is so often the case with Territorial Army soldiers, with his arrival came a fresh perspective and zest for soldiering that infected his brother Riflemen in the Platoon.

"For many Marshy became an instant surrogate big brother, a good listener but also a fountain of advice. He volunteered and took pride in being one of the lead members of his section, taking on the burden of the enormous and dangerous responsibility of trying to find improvised explosive devices at the front of the patrol. All members of the Company now mourn an inspirational Rifleman."
"Marshy, you were the most selfless bloke I have ever known. I know I always wanted you on patrol with me. I felt safe."

Corporal James Down

Lieutenant Rob Fellows, Officer Commanding, 7 Platoon, said:

"Rifleman Mark Marshall was a highly intelligent, brave and determined soldier who could be relied upon to rise to any challenge with a smile on his face. It was typical of his stoic approach that he took to keeping his colleagues safe by clearing IEDs. This is one of the most dangerous, and most important, jobs in a rifle platoon. This was typical of his selfless commitment and bravery.

"Rifleman Marshall had recently assumed the additional responsibility of Platoon Intelligence Representative. He showed a natural flair for analysing the human terrain' of the local area and used his policeman's eye for detail to good effect. I have no doubt that through both his sharp eye and steady hand he helped to keep the Platoon and the locals safe.

"Rifleman Marshall was a popular member of the platoon, with a natural maturity which made him easy to get on with regardless of rank. He had been considering joining the regular army permanently and he would have been a great asset to the Battalion, with a promising future. He had an equally bright future ahead of him with 6 RIFLES and the Police.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone in 7 Platoon. However our grief is as nothing compared to that of his family, in particular his mother Lynn and girlfriend Hayley. Mark was devoted to both of them and wrote a constant stream of letters home. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Serjeant Billy Bain, 7 Platoon Serjeant, said:

"I first saw Rifleman Mark Marshall at a farm complex at Lydd where we were conducting Pre-Deployment Training. My first impression was of a posh, slightly overweight Rifleman who was a bit old. Well, they say never judge a book by its cover.

"This was certainly true in his case as he could hold his own on a run, his military knowledge for a TA lad was second to none; the one thing he could do nothing about was his age and he kept saying I'm getting old'!

"He definitely added to the platoon from the very start, becoming a father figure to the younger lads, and was always about for advice. He was never a man to shy away from things when they needed doing and he was a man you could rely on. He became a massive character within the Platoon and he will be truly missed and will remain in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and girlfriend who he leaves behind."

Corporal James Down, Section Commander in 7 Platoon, said:

Mark Marshall, or Eminem as his civvy mates knew him, joined 7 Platoon during the funny farm at Lydd. He was so well spoken, he should have come from Sandhurst. Mature and educated, he was definitely the granddad of the platoon, and he would always be around to offer advice to the lads when needed, doing everything for others, expecting nothing in return.

"Marshy, you were the most selfless bloke I have ever known. I know I always wanted you on patrol with me. I felt safe. I'm sorry I made you come along on every patrol we did. For the little time I've known you, I've known you so long. I'll miss the hours we passed away talking about home, holidays and motors. You were to me an older brother I never had. I know you'll be up in heaven telling the other lads interesting facts.

"My thoughts are with your family and girlfriend, you talked about them non-stop. We all miss you so much mate, there is so much I want to write. We will see you when we get home. Goodbye Marshy I'm never going to forget you, sleep tight."

Corporal Donna Gent, 7 Platoon, A Company, 4 RIFLES, 3 RIFLES BG

"Marshy was a true gent; the way I found this out was by being stuck up some ladders in the sentry post due to my fear of heights. He was my stag partner. Once I let him know, he came to my aid without laughter and talked me down. Then he had to endure the ladder on my behalf for the rest of the stags without complaint.

"When our tasks involved ladders Marshy was there for me calming as ever. When I come to ladders without you I shall try and show no fear like you always demonstrated to us. RIP Marshy, you've left a big imprint on 7 Platoon's hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Good for morale, and selfless in his support of others, you knew you could always count on him to be where he needed to be, ready for the job in hand."

Corporal James Morgan

Lance Corporal David Nicol, Section Second in Command, 7 Platoon, said:

"Rifleman Marshall was a very smart and professional Rifleman, always there when you needed him to have a chat, no matter how minor it was. Mark never had any dramas with doing what you told him, he would just get down to it. He had a very good sense of humour and wasn't scared to speak his mind. I will miss him dearly and it's a great loss. Mark and his family will be in our thoughts. RIP mate."

Lance Corporal Stefan Rees, 7 Platoon, said:

"When Marshy joined us on Pre-Deployment Training, it was obvious he was going to be a popular character amongst the platoon. Never short of a joke or a laugh, he quickly became the granddad of the blokes as Marshy never hesitated and took everything in his stride. An excellent Rifleman but a better friend. RIP Marshy."

Rifleman Jonathan Rowlands, 7 Platoon, said:

"Rifleman Marshall was a good friend to me he would always cheer you up if you were feeling down. Marshy was always good for morale and we got to realise how professional he was about his job after a couple of months. My thoughts go out to his family and friend. The platoon is going to miss him dearly. RIP mate you're going to be missed."

Rifleman Antonio Couch, 7 Platoon, said:

"Marshy was the daddy of the platoon. His maturity and knowledge combined with enthusiasm and camaraderie made him an exceptional squaddie to work with and I believe an outstanding friend. His character made him unique and approachable.

"He always had a thing with keeping me on stag on handover even though I wanted to sleep; being on stag with him was always entertaining. He always told stories about his experiences as a policeman and it always ended in laughter, he kept going on about Pre-Deployment Training being extended, he was looking forward to that. Having met Mark I can say with pleasure that he was a hero. In fact, that is an understatement: in my eyes he is a legend and will not be forgotten by me or our platoon. May he rest in peace now and always. Mrs Marshall, you can always be proud of your son."

Rifleman Christopher Lue, 7 Platoon, said:

"A good mate, I always enjoyed his little education talks. He was my morale, always putting a smile on my face when we are on stag and in the room. He was the bread maker whenever we got off stag. He would always have bread for breakfast. I will miss you Marshy, we will remember you. Swift and Bold!"


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Deputy Webmaster

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Page 3.

We send our condolences to Rifleman Marshall's Family and Friends at this sad time.

Swift and Bold

DWM and the WEB Team.



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Phil VAUGHAN (EX2RGJ)

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Good night brother RIFLEMAN.
Mark you can now stand easy your duty is done.
Stand tall with the other RIFLEMEN that went before you.
My thoughts are with your loved ones & muckers.
See you in the FRV.
SWIFT & BOLD Mark.no

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ace maclean

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no
rest in peace mark,condolence to marks family and friends

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Malcolm Don Donnison ex 3 rgj

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Rest in Peace Mark, Stand easy RFn your duty done, No more Parades today.
 Deepest sympathy to all your family and friends

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Ken A

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REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 18 February, 2010

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Lance Sergeant David Greenhaugh, (25) 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards
L/Sgt Greenaugh was killed by an IED while on operations near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, on 13th February, 2010.

Lance Corporal Darren Hicks, (29) 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
L/Cpl Hicks was killed by an explosion while on operations in the Babaji District, Helmand Province on 11th February, 2010.

Rifleman Mark Marshall, (29) 6th Battalion The Rifles
Rfn Marshall, part of the 3 Rifles Battle Group, was killed by an IED while on foot patrol north east of Sangin, Helmand Province on 14th February, 2010.

Kingsman Sean Dawson, (19) 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancasters Regiment
Kingsman Dawson was killed by small arms fire while in contact with enemy insurgents in the Musa Qaala District, Helmand Province on 14th February, 2010.

Sapper Guy Mellors, 36 Regiment Royal Engineers
Spr Mellors, part of the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed by an explosion in north east Sangin District, Helmand Province on 15th February, 2010.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following stations of vigil to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 43 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford.

Wootton Bassett - Town Centre (1400)

This report from Duncan Wostenholm

Despite terrible weather with persistent rain for two hours, over 2,000 people lined the High Street in Wootton Bassett for the repatriation. The number of people, absence of shelter and the rain made accurate recording extremely difficult.
Among those present were Mr James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire; Mr Roger Lloyd, High Sheriff of Wiltshire; the Mayor of Cardigan, the Mayor of Maidstone; Brigadier Steve Hodder, commander of 42 (Wessex) Brigade and Chief Superintendent Steve Hedley.

I counted 33 standards but was unable to record these fully:
RBL Swindon, Merthyr Tidfil, Hungerford, Bedwyn, Dorsey & Cam, Ilkeston, Staffordshire, Coventry, Mousehole and Mouseholes Womens Section.
Regimental Association standards: Royal Military Police, Birmingham; 2 x Coldstream Guards, 43 Wessex, The Rifles, Bath; The Rifles County standard, The Dorset Regiment, The Devon & Dorset Regiment, 2 x Royal Engineers, Royal Berkshire Regiment Old Comrades, Malaya & Borneo Veterans, Royal Irish Rangers, Royal Navy Association, Calne; Royal Observer Corps 12 Group, 1st Parachute Regiment Old Comrades, RAF Association, Chepstow; Royal Marines, Swindon.
I apologise to those whom I have missed or not credited with their full and correct title.

This report from Steve Blundell - RBL Riders

A VERY wet Wootton Bassett today as five repatriated soldiers came home. At 3 pm they came through the High Street to be met by a large crowd of friends, family members, general public and 36 Riders, with 14 motorcycles, 3 friends of the riders - 1 with his trike and 2 family members. 33 standards from a variety of Associations were flown. Thanks were given to us from all of the repatriated families for our continued large attendance, and some requests for us to attend funerals, when arranged, were asked of us. Great to see so many of us there today in spite of the weather; some new faces and some not so new, but good to see all of you. Many thanks, regards, Big Steve.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1500)

This report from Pat Bristow, RMA

There were four standards present:

Royal Marines Association - Swindon 2 x Royal Engineers Association
RAF Lyneham Old Boys Association. There were also 15 Forces veterans and 50 members of the public, plus 120 police officers from the station.
At the Road Bridge - over the A420 between Shrivenham and Highworth (1505)

This report from Derrick Jeans, RAFA

At the bridge where the B4000 goes over the A420, Cllr E. Ware and nine local people stood and all oncoming traffic drew to a halt with many drivers leaving their vehicles. The very heavy rain stopped just before the cortege passed at very slow speed.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA. (1510)

Two Royal Marines Association standards were present:
RMA - Poole & District RMA - Guildford Plus 16 RMA veterans, including Bob Ashton who drove up from Exeter, and an RAF veteran. Uniformed serving personnel included a Lieutenant Colonel and 3 Majors of the Royal Engineers, two Majors and a WO1 of the Duke of Lancasters Regiment, a WO1 and WO2 Adjutant Generals Corps, a Staff Sergeant of the Royal Logistic Corps and a Corporal RADC. About 40 Academy staff and members of the public were in attendance at the roadside, including an uniformed member of the Salvation Army. The salute to the cortege was ordered by RSM Stu Simpson, RRS.

Thanks also to the MOD Police, who provided traffic control.

Folly Hill Layby - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

This report by Joy Blake

About 150 people attended the Folly Hill Lay-by on what was one of the coldest days we had during the winter, with driving rain, but this did not deter the local people turning out for this sad occasion. Those attending included members of the Faringdon RBL and members of nearby branches. Also attending were many veterans, wearing their caps and medals; the Chairman of the Vale of the White Horse District Council, Mrs Alison Rooke, the Chairman Vale of the White Horse RBL Branch Mr David Drew, members of the Fire Service, the local Police Sergeant Steve Clarke, Community Police and members of the Ambulance Service. Also many new faces and some not seen for a while, attended. Many vehicles parked on the verge opposite to the lay-by and waited for the cortege to pass, which it did at 4 pm.

The following standards were present:

The Union Flag Faringdon RBL Bampton RBL Beedon RBL
Shrivenham RBL Wantage RBL Oxfordshire Womens Branches RBL

John Radcliffe Hospital - near St Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way. (1535)
This report from John Walker RDG:

Here at the final turn, there were the following standards:

Royal British Legion - Chalgrove, Kidlington, Wheatley, Headington, Islip, Oxford City, Marston and Littlemore.
Association standards - Royal Marines Bicester, Hazelmere and Windsor; Coldstream Guards, Royal Navy Oxford, Canal Zone Oxford, the banner of the Royal Dragoon Guards and the flag of the Society of St George.
There were 65 veterans in berets and 40 others from all three services, Oxford City Fire Tender with full crew and a huge Union Flag. A very large turnout of members of the Oxford public. Thames Valley Police were there doing their normal duties, plus providing hot drinks under the eye of Supt. Andy Murray.

The High Sheriff of Oxford was there as well as our famous cake ladies. Weather was sleet and rain and only 2° C. The whole route around the Oxford ring roads was well attended as always.


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Kevin Goode Ex 3 and 1 RGJ

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My Sincere Condolences to the Family of Rfn Mark Marshall 6 Rifles

R.I.P

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Fred Boomer Hawkins

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Another brave young man who gave so much for his country, you will be remembered for many years to come.

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