The County Gazette is today proud to spell out 18 reasons why American President Donald Trump should apologise for his disgraceful criticism of his NATO allies, writes Phil Hill.
We again pay tribute to the courageous Royal Marines from 40 Commando who were killed in the war on terror in Afghanistan.
The brave 18 never returned to Norton Manor Camp, just outside Taunton, or to their families, after making the ultimate sacrifice.
We must also remember there were several others who sustained serious injuries that were to change their lives forever.
They had been at the forefront of the fighting in the terrorist stronghold of Helmand Province and also went into battle alongside American troops.
They were among 457 British troops who died in the 20-year-long operation following the 9/11 attacks in the USA.
Yet Trump had the audacity to claim last week that he was “not sure” other NATO member states would be there for the US “if we ever needed them.”
He added: “We’ve never needed them.
“We have never really asked anything of them.”
He added: “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”
Trump’s comments were an insult to the memory of the much-missed 18 and thousands of others who joined the fight against terror.
Clearly under pressure, days later Trump pulled back on his comments, posting on social media that the UK soldiers are “GREAT and very BRAVE” and “were among the greatest of all warriors.”
But he noticeably failed to apologise for his previous affront.
So, to put the record straight, here we once again name the heroic men who died to keep us safe at home.
We must never forget what they did for us.
CPL CHRISTOPHER LEWIS HARRISON, 26:
Killed by a roadside bomb on May 9 leading a foot patrol.
His widow Rebecca called him a “fantastic husband”, her “motivator and inspiration.”
CPL STEPHEN WALKER, 42:
Nicknamed Whisky, the married father-of-two was killed by an explosion on May 21.
A superior officer called him “probably the most professional Marine I have had the pleasure of serving with.”
CPL STEPHEN PAUL CURLEY, 26:
Married with a baby son, he died in an explosion on May 26 conducting a reassurance foot patrol.
His motto was, ‘If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.’
His CO called him “the very best of his generation.”
MARINE SCOTT GREGORY TAYLOR, 21:
Killed on foot patrol on May 26.
His family said he was a “perfect son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.”
His CO said he was “a giant in the gymnasium, a consummate professional in the field and a true mate to his friends.”
MARINE ANTHONY DEAN HOTINE, 21:
Killed during a reassurance patrol on June 2.
His CO said he was “a brilliant young man at the height of his profession” who was “bright, selfless, dedicated and keen-spirited.”
MARINE STEVEN JAMES BIRDSALL, 20:
Died in a Birmingham hospital on June 16 from a gunshot wound suffered as he provided security to soldiers reinforcing checkpoint defences.
He was “selfless, brave and fearless.”
His CO spoke of his “gallantry, selflessness and determination.”
MARINE RICHARD HOLLINGTON, 23:
The ex semi-professional footballer was the 300th British troop killed during the conflict.
He died in hospital in Birmingham with his family at his side on June 20 after being injured in a bomb blast on patrol.
His parents said: “He chose to live his days as a lion.”
MARINE PAUL WARREN, 23:
Died in an explosion during an insurgent attack on June 21.
His family lost a “loving son, brother and grandson.”
His CO remembered an “outstanding Marine” who was “bright, articulate, loyal and very brave.”
L CPL MICHAEL TAYLOR, 30:
The soldier-turned-Royal Marine was shot in a firefight as he manned a watchtower on June 22.
His partner Sonia described “the best loving partner and dad.”
His family said he “lived to be a hero and died a hero.”
SGT STEVEN WILLIAM DARBYSHIRE, 35:
The fourth Royal Marine to die in four days, was killed by small arms fire on security patrol on June 23.
The keen sportsman lived with his partner and two sons.
Being a Commando was all he ever wanted to do.
His family said he was “strong, vibrant, generous, passionate and full of life.”
MARINE DAVID CHARLES HART, 23:
Killed on foot patrol on July 8.
His family admired “his cheerfulness, sense of humour and smile.”
His CO said he was “magnificent, diligent, loyal, utterly dedicated and completely selfless, a perfect Commando.”
His life insurance paid for 32 friends to go to Las Vegas and he left large sums for his family and a charity for injured Marines.
MARINE MATTHEW HARRISON, 23:
He was shot on a reassurance patrol on July 13.
He won the King’s Badge as the best all-round recruit.
His family called him “warm-hearted, absolutely dependable.”
His CO said he was “brilliant in every sense – the consummate professional and irrepressible.”
MARINE JONATHAN DAVID THOMAS CROOKES, 26:
Killed in an explosion on foot patrol on July 16.
He lived with his mother and fiancee.
It was his second tour of Afghanistan as a Reservist.
His mother called him “caring, thoughtful and full of life.”
His CO said he was “a giant of a man” who was “supremely brave” and “a bright, strong, fearless man.”
MARINE ADAM BROWN, 25:
Married to childhood sweetheart Amy for less than a year.
He died in an explosion during a reassurance patrol on August 1.
Amy called him a “wonderful husband and a true inspiration.”
He was on his second tour of Afghanistan.
His CO called him a “superb Marine”, “courageous, supremely fit, hugely professional and utterly selfless.”
LIEUT JOHN THORNTON, 22:
‘JT’ died conducting a patrol to disrupt enemy activity on March 30, 2008.
He often said: “I have the best job in the world.”
He was “a much-loved caring son, brother and friend.”
MARINE DAVID MARSH, 23:
He was married to Claire and was “a dedicated family man” who “went through life with a smile on his face.”
The Royal Marines was “his passion and his love.”
He was killed in action on March 30, 2008.
CPL DAMIAN MULVIHILL, 32:
‘Dee’ was “a giant of a man”, “an excellent listener and would always make time for others.”
He was engaged to be married.
He played rugby for the Royal Marines and water polo for the Royal Navy and Combined Services.
He was killed by an improvised explosive device on February 20, 2008.
CPL DAVID O’CONNOR, 27:
He was on patrol with Cpl Channing Day, 25, of 3 Medical Regiment, to conduct low level training with Afghan Police.
During an engagement with the enemy, both were fatally injured on October 24, 2012.
Trump’s comments sparked outrage in the Taunton area
With a contingent of 150 Royal Marines from 40 Commando currently deployed to Norway training for potential combat, here’s a selection of comments.
Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos said: “Taunton’s own 40 Commando Royal Marines planted 17 trees back in 2010 for those who lost their lives fighting for freedom – the freedom of Americans as well as of the rest of us.
“I’d like to invite Mr Trump to comment less and listen more to the bereaved families, like I have, when they come to hear their sons’ names read out and honoured each November.
“He may have forgotten their sacrifice, but their families, Royal Marines, riflemen, other service men and women, veterans and Taunton as a whole will never forget them, nor any of those who lost their lives or were wounded in Afghanistan.”
What Paul Treanor saw during two tours of Afghanistan, treating wounded soldiers in Camp Bastion Hospital, left him with severe PTSD.
“We saw British troops with horrendous injuries,” said Paul, who recently joined. Charity trip to The Alps, accompanying Royal Marines who lost legs in the conflict.
“We X-rayed, CT scanned and imaged scores of injured men and women in surgical theatres.
“Unfortunately, we watched many young, brave men die in front of us.”
Cllr Mike Rigby, who represents Norton Fitzwarren on Somerset Council, said: The whole community is immensely proud of 40 Commando and the many brave actions that they have been involve in in recent decades.
“Very sadly, 40 Commando have lost members while fighting on the frontlines with our NATO colleagues, including the USA.
“It’s completely incorrect and offensive for Trump to say that they. Weren’t fighting on the frontlines.”
Councillor Henry Hobhouse, armed forces champion on Somerset Council, said: “I am appalled, firstly at his lack of knowledge (which is not surprising, because he doesn’t seem to have a lot), and secondly by his endless attacks on NATO.
“In the UK we had 457 people killed supporting the Americans once Article 5 was invoked.
“The support that the British forces gave to the Americans in trying to sort out the retaliation for 9/11 was one of the most difficult to implement since the Second World War.
“The damage to the mental balance of the returning troops has created huge problems.
“What really worries me more than anything is Nigel Farage’s support for President Trump, because of Trump’s complete and utter disdain for anybody but himself.
“Even Farage has had to show his problems with Trump’s comments, but his support for Trump I find very difficult to sustain.
“I cannot believe that the biggest democracy in the world is led by a man with such little understanding, sympathy and empathy for the sufferings of the people who went to war on behalf of America.”