Solihull, England, UK
Royal Marines, CPL, Commando Logistics Rgt
12/21/2008, Afghanistan, Lashkar Gah
Corporal Robert Christopher Deering was born on 16 October 1975 in Solihull and joined the Royal Marines in March 1998. Specialising as a Vehicle Mechanic, he spent the majority of his career at the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) Royal Marines, based in North Devon.
During his time at CLR he deployed on operations to Kosovo, Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. He has operated in Oman and Egypt, and completed Arctic and Assistant Cold Weather Warfare Instructor training in Norway. Latterly, he qualified as a Viking armoured personnel carrier operator and maintainer, and through demonstrating strong potential for command on operations in Afghanistan was promoted to Corporal in 2007.
Corporal Deering’s home town was Sheldon, Birmingham. His great passions in life involved fast cars, maintaining the highest levels of fitness, and being with his fiancée Gemma. He was an immensely humble and cheerful man who impressed, and endeared himself to all who were lucky enough to have known him. He always had a friendly word for anyone he met, and his charismatic smile and infectious laugh filled any room he entered. An excellent listener and a friend to many, Corporal Deering will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of serving with him.
Corporal Deering was killed in an explosion on Sunday, 21 December 2008 in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. He leaves behind his fiancée Gemma, with whom he had recently moved into a new home, his parents, and sister.
His Commanding Officer, Colonel Andy T W Maynard said:
“Corporal Rob Deering had the heart of a lion and the courage to match. Having served on operations with the Royal Marines around the globe in Kosovo, Iraq and once before in Afghanistan, he was no stranger to risk, but faced up to it, displaying the finest qualities of the Commando Spirit: courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness. The latter, in particular, was a trait that he is remembered for as a larger than life and popular man, who loved eating and drinking in good company. The mountain of Christmas parcels he received is testament to his popularity.
“At work in the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines, where he had spent most of his career, he was well known and had recently qualified as a Vehicle Mechanic at the most senior level. His loss has been a tremendous shock to us all in this extended family, represented by our Regiment. Collectively, we reach out to support his parents, and his fiancée Gemma, and share their loss and their pain; our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.”
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