| Location | King's Lynn |
| Age | 20 years |
| Cause of Death | In the Line of Duty |
| Date of Birth | 1988 |
| Date of Death | 24/12/2008 |
| Visitors | 2,100 since 26/12/2008 |
| Creator |
British Royal Marine, Benjamin Whatley died from enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
L/Cpl Whatley was killed in a fierce and prolonged battle while he was leading his men into action, the MoD said.
The marine, from 42 Commando, was from King's Lynn in Norfolk was described as "vibrant, happy person" by his family.
This sadly brings the total number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 136.
A statement released by his family said: "Ben was a vibrant, happy person who had an unbridled enthusiasm for life. He was so proud to be a Royal Marine. His death creates an irreplaceable loss for all his family and friends."
His commanding officer Lt Col Charlie Stickland, said: "Another 'Smiley Boy' from 42 Commando lost whilst doing the job he loved, in an environment in which he excelled and surrounded by his mates.
"His loss has rocked the entire Commando, particularly the tight and combat hardened band of warriors that are 'Lightening' Lima Company.
"L/Cpl Ben Whatley sat at the heart of a group of comrades bound together through rugged shared experiences, with strength of friendship that many cannot understand.
"He had truly earned his Lance Corporal's stripe and had so much more to give. All he served with knew him as a 'proper bootneck' and an uncompromising friend."
YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER IN MY MEMORIES AND THOUGHTS,
AND IF THERE REALLY IS A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN,I WILL SURLY SEE YOU THERE ONE DAY.
As the sun rises I still feel the blanket of night
You are the one now who will have eternal light
My heart aches, each part of me filled with sorrow
We've fought today, but I need the strength for tomorrow
Your memory, your presence I promise we'll protect
And with it our admiration, gratuity and profound respect
So sleep peacefully now, may your heart be filled with pride
We'll fight harder, be stronger, knowing you're by our side
They haven't won, they've pulled us together
They haven't taken you away because you'll live forever
So I'll catch each tear and hold my head high
I'll smile and Thank You but won't say 'Goodbye'
WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST
THROUGHOUT......
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�����„� HAPPY �„������„�
�„�����NEW YEAR�����„�
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
T'was The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone
In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone
I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give
And To See Just Who, In This Small Home Did Live
I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See -
No Tinsel No Presents, Not Even A Tree.
No Stocking By The Mantle Just Boots Filled With Sand
On The Wall Hung Pictures Of A Far Distant Land
With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds.
Then A Sober Thought Came Into My Mind
For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary,
T'was The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly
The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone
Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home
The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Disorder
Not How I Pictured A Lone Soldier..
Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read,
Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed
I Realised The Families That I Saw This Night
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers, Who Were Willing To Fight
And Soon Round The World The Children Would Play
And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day
They All Enjoy Freedom Each Month Of The Year
Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here.
I Couldn't Help But Wonder, How Many Alone,
On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home?
The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye
I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry
The Soldier Awakened, I Heard A Rough Voice
"Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice.
I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More
My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps"
The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep.
I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep.
I Kept Watch For Hours, So Silent And Still
And We Both Sat And Shivered From The Cold Nights Chill.
I Didn't Want To Leave, On That Cold Dark Night,
This Guardian Of Honour, So Willing To Fight...
Then The Soldier Rolled Over With A Voice Soft And Pure
Whispered "carry On Santa, Christmas Day Is Secure"
One Look At My Watch And I Knew He Was Right
"Merry Christmas My Friend - And To All A Good Night!"
This Poem Was Written By A British Peace Keeping Soldier
Stationed Overseas.
im so so sorry for ur loss good nite beautiful angel r.i.p xxxxx he was an hero fighting for our country
BOXING DAY 2008
T'was The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone
In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone
I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give
And To See Just Who, In This Small Home Did Live
I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See -
No Tinsel No Presents, Not Even A Tree.
No Stocking By The Mantle Just Boots Filled With Sand
On The Wall Hung Pictures Of A Far Distant Land
With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds.
Then A Sober Thought Came Into My Mind
For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary,
T'was The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly
The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone
Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home
The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Disorder
Not How I Pictured A Lone Soldier..
Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read,
Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed
I Realised The Families That I Saw This Night
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers, Who Were Willing To Fight
And Soon Round The World The Children Would Play
And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day
They All Enjoy Freedom Each Month Of The Year
Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here.
I Couldn't Help But Wonder, How Many Alone,
On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home?
The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye
I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry
The Soldier Awakened, I Heard A Rough Voice
"Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice.
I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More
My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps"
The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep.
I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep.
I Kept Watch For Hours, So Silent And Still
And We Both Sat And Shivered From The Cold Nights Chill.
I Didn't Want To Leave, On That Cold Dark Night,
This Guardian Of Honour, So Willing To Fight...
Then The Soldier Rolled Over With A Voice Soft And Pure
Whispered "carry On Santa, Christmas Day Is Secure"
One Look At My Watch And I Knew He Was Right
"Merry Christmas My Friend - And To All A Good Night!"
This Poem Was Written By A British Peace Keeping Soldier
Stationed Overseas.
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There have been 93 candles lit for Benjamin.
