Lance Corporal Michael Taylor killed in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Michael Taylor from Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 22 June 2010.


Lance Corporal Michael Taylor was killed 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.

Lance Corporal Michael Taylor

Lance Corporal Michael Taylor was 30 years old and lived in Rhyl with his partner Sonia and their three children; Ethan, Wesley and Charlton. A former British Army soldier, he joined the Royal Marines on the 26 April 2004. After passing for duty as a Royal Marines Commando he joined 45 Commando, based in Arbroath, Scotland.

During his first draft he took the opportunity to serve with Naval Party Iraq as part of the Operation TELIC Force Protection Team before returning to 45 Commando in January 2007.

A second draft saw him remain in Scotland while he served with Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines until January 2009. On completion of this draft he specialised within the Anti-Tank Branch qualifying as a Heavy Weapons (Class 3) Marine. Returning to 45 Commando he subsequently deployed on Operation HERRICK 9 serving in Kajaki with Victor Company.

From 45 Commando he joined Charlie Company 40 Commando Royal Marines in November 2009, and immediately began Mission Specific Training for Operation HERRICK 12. Quickly promoting to Lance Corporal he deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in March 2010, where he was based. Charlie Company has been responsible for the security around the Sangin area and has conducted dozens of patrols in support of the local nationals.

Having completed numerous joint clearance operations with Afghan National Security Forces and uncovered many Improvised Explosive Devices, the area has increased freedom of movement and security so that the local population are able to go about their normal daily business.

During the early afternoon of Tuesday 22 June 2010, his patrol base was engaged by accurate small arms fire. At the time Lance Corporal Taylor was providing protection to the camp in one of the security sangars and was fatally wounded in the incident.

Partner Sonia Fleming said:

"Michael you were my soul mate, you were the best loving partner and Dad anyone could have asked for. You lived to be a hero and died a hero. We are all extremely proud of you and always will be. Your legacy will live on through your three wonderful boys who will inspire to be just like you."

Son Ethan Taylor (13) said:

"He was a great Dad and he did everything for us. He was always active and took us to football games, he was one in a million and I love him. Rest in Peace Dad I will be thinking of you all the time, missing you already."

Son Wesley Taylor (11) said:

"He was the best Dad I could have ever wished for and I can never replace him. He did our family proud and deserved everything he achieved in his life."

Parents John And Jackie Taylor said:

"We have lost a brave, one of a kind son. Unselfish, kind and totally devoted to his family and children we are lost for words to describe the hurt and pain that we are all feeling right now."

Grandparents Margaret and Paul Wright said:

"We are devastated. They have broken the mould now this smashing, generous and loving young man is no longer with us."

Brother John Taylor (26) said:

"I have lost the best brother and best friend a bloke could ever ask for. I will never forget him."

Sister Leanne Taylor said:

"My big brother was the greatest, he was always there for everyone, no one can ever take his place."

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin said:

"Lance Corporal Mike Taylor was a superb marine; fit, bright, dedicated and incredibly courageous, he thrived on operations. Having served in Kajaki only last year, his experience and professional vigour was invaluable and he was instrumental in the successful preparations of 9 Troop.

"As a Junior Commander he was excellent; he had precisely the right presence and personality to reassure and give confidence to others. I saw in him a conscientious, generous, enthusiastic man with a passion for his job and the many challenges that came with it. He tragically died at his Patrol Base in Sangin protecting the very people, his own band of brothers, who had quickly grown to respect, admire and be inspired by him and his whole approach to life.

"He had the drive and the tenacity, but more importantly the family and the friends to succeed at anything he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with his partner, his three sons, his family and his friends. Lance Corporal Mike Taylor was, and will always remain, a Royal Marine Commando."