Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2008, Corporal Liam Elms, 45 Commando Royal Marines, died in Afghanistan. He was killed in an explosion in southern Helmand whilst on operations with Zulu Company, conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops.

Corporal Elms had joined the Royal Marines in 2001, and after completing training he served with 42 Commando Royal Marines for two years. He served in Northern Ireland and Iraq before completing the Junior Command course and Skill at Arms course (in which he was top student). He then trained as a Platoon Weapons Instructor Class 2 at CTCRM. In 2008 he joined 45 Commando Royal Marines and later that year deployed to Afghanistan. He is remembered by friends as a big man with a big heart, highly likeable with a generous personality.

Major Andy Muddiman said of him: “His hallmarks at work were utter professionalism and complete application to the task in hand. As a character he was jovial, big-hearted and strived constantly to do his best. His contribution to both the training and leadership of the Company has been considerable. Corporal Elms lived and breathed his job, exuding an enthusiasm for soldiering that was instantly infectious. He had Commando qualities in spades: most of all he was unselfish, brave and determined. An exceptional leader he never flinched from a dangerous task and the manner in which he died, leading from the front, was typical of the way he chose to live.”

Liam, from Wigan, was 26 years old and engaged to be married.