Military funeral for Penmachno marine killed in Afghanistan

Jun 4 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A FUNERAL with full military honours will take place in Penmachno on Saturday for much loved Marine Martin Richards, who was killed by a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan last week.

Lance Corporal Robert Martin Richards, from Penmachno, died in hospital on May 27 from wounds sustained in southern Afghanistan.

A member of the Marines’ Armoured Support Group, the 24-year-old had been seriously injured the previous Friday as a result of an explosion while travelling in a Viking vehicle near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, days before he was scheduled to end his tour of duty.

His family and friends paid emotional tribute to their beloved “Rambo” on a Facebook group.

Unmarried with no children, Martin was known by his comrades as the "alpha male” among the pack.

They described him as the epitome of a Marine, one friend adding: "Like a stick of rock, if you snapped him in half he would have Royal Marines Commando written the whole way through.”

His family said he had achieved all his life's ambitions when he joined the Marines and his proudest moment was when he passed out as a commando.

They said in a statement: “Martin was an exceptional young man, much loved by family and friends. He touched the hearts of all who knew him.

“Martin was a keen sportsman and played football for his local team, Machno United, when back on leave. Martin lived life to the full and was generous to the extreme.”

His commanding officer, Major Richard Hopkins, described him as "an enormous, unique character” and “utterly confident”.

He added: “He was a highly regarded and experienced Viking operator. He loved football and golf and participated in all unit social activities.

“His knowledge of the Viking vehicle and of Afghanistan was extensive and he was the source of much advice to those around him.”

On the Facebook site dedicated to his memory, those who knew him have posted hundreds of comments and photos of the Marine.

One of his sisters, Elin-Haf Richards, said: “I never thought this day would come. You’re a true hero, sleep tight big bruvah.”

Another friend, Ceri Louise Giddings, wrote: “You will be truly missed by everyone who knew you. RIP Rambo.”

Samantha Jones posted: “I still can't believe you’re gone. I will never forget your cheeky smile, your crazy driving and all the laughs we had together.”

Samantha Joanne Szymanska wrote: “We had some good times together. You didn’t deserve to go, I’ll never forget you. Thanks for being you.”

Cemlyn Williams said: “You were a fearless hero who died for your country. You will be sadly missed.”

The funeral service will take place at 11am at St Tuddalud Church, Penmachno, on Saturday.