Funeral For Hampshire Marine

The military funeral's taken place in Havant (15th Oct) for Corporal David O'Connor, who died in Afghanistan last month.

Hampshire marine Corporal David O'Connor, of 40 Commando, died after being injured on patrol with C Company in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province in October this year.

Hundreds of people lined West Street in Havant as his coffin was driven past. The service was held in a packed St Faith's Church, with many listening outside on speakers. It was led by Reverend Canon Peter Jones, alongside Scott Shackleton, who's a chaplain for the armed forces.

The 27 year old was overseeing the training of Afghan local police when his patrol came under fire near the village of Char Kutsa. He was fatally injured alongside another colleague during the firefight.

An initial review into their deaths has revealed the killings were not caused by ''friendly fire''. Investigations are continuing, the MoD said.

Royal Marine Cpl O'Connor was deployed to Afghanistan at the end of September as a section commander in the acting rank of corporal.

He lived with his mother Rosemary in Havant, Hampshire. He leaves behind his mother, brother Phil and father Roy, known as George.

A statement released by his family said:

''David's family and friends are greatly saddened by his loss and hope to be left to grieve privately.''

Paying tribute -Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, commanding officer, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said Cpl O'Connor ''was one of the best''.

The number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 now stands at 435.