Officer's tribute to marine Damian

The commanding officer of Shropshire marine hero Damian Davies has spoken of his bravery and dedication to his career, wife and young son.

Colonel Andy Maynard, commanding officer of the Commando Logistic Regiment, had flown in from Afghanistan where he had been serving with Mr Davies for his funeral service on Wednesday.

See also: Hero Damian was devoted family man

See also: Farewell to hero marine Damian

Speaking after Mr Davies's full military honours funeral service at St Georges Church in Telford, Colonel Maynard paid tribute to the 27-year-old hero.

"Damian was a total professional. He had courage, he had determination but above all he was a cheerful man, and while he was dedicated to his profession and being a Royal Marine, above all he was devoted to Joanne and Matthew which is why it is so important for us to give them support at this time," he said.

Up to 150 colleagues paid their last respects to Mr Davies at the Christmas Eve service where his widow Joanne, who is pregnant with their second child, led more than 400 mourners, including the couple's 19-month-old son Matthew.

Mr Davies's brother Warren who is also a Royal Marine read the poem, Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep.

The Reverend Graham Hitchins, Naval padre, paid tribute to Mr Davies's "big heartedness" and referred to his death as "wickedness". He was killed alongside two colleagues in an explosion by a suspected 13-year-old suicide bomber.

A star had been placed at the top of the tree of light inside St Georges Church where Mr Davies's name and those of his dead colleagues were placed before the service.

Colonel Maynard said: "Although these are sad days when we commiserate with the family, it's also business as usual and we will continue doing what we are doing.

"The forces we are operating on the front line are well led, well equipped and well trained and collectively it's the strength of everyone working together which enables them to deliver the good job that they are going. They are doing a fantastic job," he said.

But Colonel Maynard said the support of family in the UK, which Mr Davies enjoyed so much, was vital.

"An important part is the link back to the families and friends at home which we rely on to give us the support while we are away and we look forward to coming home at the end of our tour," he added.

"This was Damian's last operational tour because he was about to leave the Royal Marines. He was focused on his job right up to the end as any Royal Marine would."

By Kirsty Smallman