The family of Royal Marine David Hart, who was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, have said they are “immensely proud” of him.

His parents Dilys and Chris Hart, of Poppleton, said their son loved his family, his girlfriend and his many friends.

"Throughout his life David showed the qualities of the Commando Spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone,” said his parents.

"His cheerfulness, his sense of humour and of course his smile will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements."

His sister, Sarah Hart, also paid tribute to the “best brother she could ever have wished for”.

"He was caring, funny, had an infamous cheeky grin and would always be there for you,” she said.

"I am so proud to have been his sister, and of his chosen career as a Royal Marines Commando.

"He truly loved his job and relished the challenges he was facing on a daily basis.

"Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero."

Marine Hart was killed in the blast in Sangin in southern Afghanistan, becoming York’s third victim of the conflict.

The serviceman, from 40 Commando, was killed while on a joint foot patrol with Afghan soldiers on Thursday evening – one day before his 24th birthday.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin said: "Marine Dave Hart was magnificent; both in personality and in profession.

"Diligent, loyal, utterly dedicated and completely selfless, he was a perfect Commando.

"He had a resolute but compassionate manner that everyone admired; he thrived in adversity and inspired others to do the same.

"He was tragically killed on the eve of his 24th birthday, with a bright career ahead of him, but he died doing the job he loved and amongst friends who will love him forever. He took great pride in all that he did and was a man of great presence; in stature, in temperament, and in life.

"He was a young and deeply impressive marine who was fiercely courageous and always thinking of others before himself.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends.

"He was truly one of life's greats and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando.

"Marine Dave Hart was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando."

Major Ed Moorhouse, Officer Commanding Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines said: "Marine Dave Hart was universally popular with everyone in Charlie Company; there was not an ounce of malice in Dave, he was always cheerful, always upbeat and a friend to everyone.

"He was a marine, no matter the circumstances and no matter the rank, who would always give you the time of day; and who would go out of his way to help you.

"This wholesome, compassionate and thoughtful man was fiercely proud of his profession, of his Corps, Charlie Company and the Band of Brothers who he fought alongside.

"Strong, dedicated and professional he epitomised what it is to be a Royal Marines Commando.

"In Dave Hart, I saw a marine with a career in the Corps ahead of him and a man hungry to prosecute that professional challenge that it presented.

"As his first Company Commander I took great pride in setting him on that path, and I am greatly saddened that a journey that had such rich and abundant potential has ended in such tragic suddenness.

"He was a man with the Corps at his feet.

"At this dark and very painful time our thoughts and prayers are with Dave's parents, sister and girlfriend and we hope that that the vitality and light that he gave us all returns to them as time heals their bereavement and tragic loss.

"Marine Dave Hart was a Charlie Company Spartan, a Royal Marines Commando and a loyal friend to us all and this is the legacy by which we will always remember this very fine man.

"Dave, may you Rest in Peace."


A top recruit

DAVID Charles Hart was born in York and lived with his family in Upper Poppleton. He joined the army in February 2009 and quickly stood out as one of the top recruits. In October that year he was awarded The Commando Medal as he passed for duty with the famous Royal Marines.

The Medal is awarded to the man who, throughout training, shows, to an outstanding degree, the qualities of the Commando Spirit - defined as determination, courage, cheerfulness and unselfishness.

On completion of recruit training he was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton.

Joining Charlie Company in October last year he immediately conducted mission-specific training for an operational tour with 40 Commando in Afghanistan. Qualifying as a combat medic, and singled out as an impressive and mature individual, he was quickly selected to become part of the newly formed Police Mentoring Team.

In April this year Marine Hart was sent to Afghanistan and was based at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam and Patrol Base Sangin Tufann.

Early on Thursday evening Charlie Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the local Afghan Army. At 6.25pm local time, near patrol base Sangin Tufann, an explosion occurred and David Hart was fatally wounded.