R.I.P Travis Mackin

Travis Mackin was born on 9 December 1986. He grew up in Plymouth and joined the Royal Marines on 5 July 2004.

His selfless and helpful attitude singled him out for praise throughout the rigours of Commando training. He served with 45 Commando Royal Marines as a rifleman in Zulu Coy, during which time he deployed on combat operations in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 5. Zulu Company was involved in some of the fiercest fighting of that deployment, predominantly operating in the southern region of Helmand province.

On his return to the UK he was selected for specialist training and joined the Signals Branch of the Royal Marines. He was noted for his strong performance on the communicators' course and qualified as a Royal Marines Communicator, Class 3 in July 2007. He subsequently joined 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and served with 3 Commando Brigade's light amphibious raiding unit until April 2008.

A confident soldier, he deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 9 looking forward to proving himself in the challenging role of mentoring the Afghan National Police with his comrades in the Security Sector Reform Group; an aspiration which he rapidly and convincingly fulfilled. Already a veteran of this operational theatre in spite of his youth, he was always keen to impart his hard-won knowledge to those less experienced.

He had great ambition, and huge potential; his infectious sense of humour and abundance of natural leadership made him an instant hit with the Afghan Security Forces that he mentored and fought alongside.

Marine Mackin's family have strong links with the military and one of his brothers is serving with the 1st Battalion The Rifles, also deployed in Helmand on Op HERRICK 9. The loss of such an incredibly popular and exceptionally loyal member of our band of brothers is a tragedy. The tributes below say it all. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad and tragic time.

Statement from the family of Marine Travis Mackin:

"Travis was a much loved son and brother who is never going to leave us and will be in our hearts and souls forever. He lived for the Marines and was so proud of his uniform. His untimely death leaves a massive hole in all the lives of his family and friends. He touched the hearts of all those that met him and we are so proud and honoured to have had him in our lives."

Marine Mackin's girlfriend Laura said:

"I am so honoured to have been his girlfriend and he is irreplaceable in my heart. To me he was the most honourable, unselfish and caring person I have ever known and he never ceased to make me laugh. I will miss him beyond words but equally I am so proud to have known this wonderful man."