Telford, Shropshire, England, UK
Royal Marines, Marine, Commando Logistics Regiment
12/12/2008, Sangin (south of), Afghanistan
Marine Damian Davies, born 20 October 1981, joined the Royal Navy in March 2000, before transferring to the Royal Marines in November 2001. After initially joining 821 Troop he passed out for duty with 830 Troop in December 2002.
On completion of training Damian joined the Driver’s branch and commenced his first draft at the Commando Logistic Regiment as a member of the Landing Force Support Party. He subsequently qualified as a Staff Car Driver serving at Fleet Headquarters before moving to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. He returned to the Commando Logistic Regiment at the beginning of 2008 in preparation to deploy to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 9.
An easy-going and very hardworking marine, Damian was one of the most experienced and professional members of his troop, a great friend and a trusted colleague.
Marine Davies was tragically killed as a result of a suspected suicide bomb attack south of Sangin, Afghanistan on Friday 12 December 2008. He leaves behind a young son and his wife who is expecting their second child.
His Commanding Officer, Colonel A T W Maynard, said:
“The Commando Spirit resonates in every recollection of Marine Damian Davies. His courage was resolute as his tragic death in the front line is testament to. His determination and unselfishness are underscored by his reputation for being the first to volunteer for any tasks, and his cheerfulness is epitomized by the fact that nobody can remember him without a ready smile. At work his style was understated and selfless, and he had a reputation for working hard. Nevertheless, although he was a loyal and dedicated Royal Marine, his focus in life was his family – his wife Joanne and son Matthew. His extended family in the Commando Logistic Regiment share their loss and their pain, and our thoughts are with them at this time.”
His Squadron Commander, Major Marcus Taylor Royal Marines, said:
“An experienced and popular member of the squadron, Marine Davies was always at the forefront of activity and the first to volunteer from his troop no matter how difficult or dangerous the mission. A proud husband and father, Marine Davies will leave a void in many lives that will be impossible to fill. Cruelly and tragically taken from us, he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Our thoughts are with his parents, wife and young family.”
Corporal Ben Parks and Marine Lee Douglas, 1 Troop LFSP, said:
“The first image of Damo was that of him sitting in his chair outside his tent, cigarette in one hand and a coffee in the other. In work Damo was the first to volunteer no matter what the task and he would make sure it was seen through to the end, never afraid of getting his hands dirty and not happy unless it was completed perfectly. Back in Chivenor, Damo was always talking of his wife Joanne and son Matthew; he loved and adored them with all his heart, and what a huge heart he had. Damo will be remembered as a ‘bootneck’s’ ‘bootneck’, a true work-horse, a great friend and a perfect husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who had met and worked with him. Rest in peace Royal.”