Marine Scott Gregory Taylor killed in Afghanistan

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Marine Scott Gregory Taylor, from Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 30 May 2010.


Marine Taylor was killed as a result of an explosion which occurred when he and Alpha Company were conducting a foot patrol to help reassure the local population and to increase security within the area around Sangin.

Marine Scott Taylor

Marine Scott Taylor joined the Royal Marines on 29 September 2007, aged 18. Prior to enlisting he completed his GCSEs and A-levels at Buxton Community School in his hometown of Buxton, Derbyshire. Following in the footsteps of his younger brother Liam, Marine Taylor passed for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 29 September 2008.

Joining Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, he took part in numerous exercises, most notably TAURUS 09, the largest Royal Naval deployment in over 10 years, participating in ceremonial duties in Gibraltar and multinational exercises in Cyprus and Turkey. The exercise culminated in the Far East where he completed an arduous jungle warfare training package in Brunei.

Upon return from summer leave in September 2009, his attention was focused on Mission Specific Training for 40 Commando's deployment to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 12. In April 2010 he deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, with Alpha Company, based out of Patrol Base Jamil.

Marine Taylor's family have made the following statement:

"Scotty was the perfect son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who would do anything for anybody no matter who they were, always caring and respectful. He loved his family and lit up the room with his smile. He had a wicked sense of humour and was loyal, caring and brave, never showing pain. He will leave a void in everyone's lives who knew him that can never be filled."

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

"Marine Scott Taylor was everything I needed in a Bootneck; proud but not arrogant, loyal but still independent, courageous but not foolhardy, he was an outstanding Marine. Brave, strong, bright and physically very fit, he was an utterly selfless man, who was often unassuming, preferring instead to let his actions speak for him - and they spoke with power and tumult.

"He was a giant in the gymnasium, a consummate professional in the field and a true mate to his friends. He died on patrol in southern Sangin as point man, leading the men who he had grown to love like brothers.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother and father, his brother Marine Liam Taylor and all his friends and family. He will be sadly missed by all in 40 Commando. Marine Scotty Taylor was, and will always be, a Royal Marine Commando."