The family of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan last night said his death "creates an irreplaceable loss".
The family of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan last night said his death "creates an irreplaceable loss".
Lance Corporal Benjamin Whatley, 20, from King's Lynn, in Norfolk, was killed on Christmas Eve by enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali District of central Helmand province while leading his men into action.
The Royal Marine was the 136th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.
A statement released on behalf of L-Cpl Whatley's family said: "Ben was a vibrant, happy person who had an unbridled enthusiasm for life. He was so proud to be a Royal Marine; his death creates an irreplaceable loss for all his family and friends."
His commanding officer in 42 Commando Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Stickland, said: "Another Smiley Boy' from 42 Commando lost whilst doing the job he loved, in an environment in which he excelled and surrounded by his mates.
"His loss has rocked the entire Commando, particularly the tight and combat hardened band of warriors that are Lightening' Lima Company.
"Lance Corporal Ben Whatley sat at the heart of a group of comrades bound together through rugged shared experiences, with strength of friendship that many cannot understand.
"He had truly earned his Lance Corporal's stripe and had so much more to give.
All he served with knew him as a Proper Bootneck' and an uncompromising friend.
"His loss bonds us tighter and makes us all the more determined to maintain the initiative against our foe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and other loved ones at this tragic, tragic time."
The mother of a Marine killed in Afghanistan in nearly two years ago yesterday joined tributes to L-Cpl Whatley on a memorial website. "You brave boys deserve so much more recognition that you currently get," wrote Lizzie Reddy, whose son, Ben, was killed in March 2007, on the website Gonetoosoon. "You boys will never be forgotten. We all owe you so much for paying the ultimate sacrifice."
Marine Ben Reddy, 22, who came from Ascot, Berkshire, and was a member of K Company, 42 Commando, was killed when his unit came under fire in Helmand.
