Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2010, Marine David Charles Hart from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in Afghanistan. He had joined recruit training in 2009, standing out as one of the top recruits and thereby being awarded his Diamond. When he passed out for duty he was awarded The Commando Medal (this is awarded to the man who, throughout training, shows to an outstanding degree the qualities of the Commando Spirit: determination, courage, cheerfulness and unselfishness. His C.O. had this to say: "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. He was truly one of life’s greats and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando." David, from North Yorkshire, was 23 years old.