TRIBUTES have been paid to a member of the Royal Marines who died in action in Afghanistan on Saturday.

Thomas Curry, 21, of East London, was gunned down at the start of a two-day offensive against the Taleban in the Helmand Province.

His regiment, the 42 Commando Royal Marines, was involved in an operation to defend the Kajaki hydroelectric dam, which was built to provide power across southern Afghanistan.

'Courageous'

The soldier had been "courageously" leading his comrades from the front when he came under fire, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) said.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Holmes Royal Marines, said: "Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him, which had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues.

"He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by."

He added: "Tom was a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense.

"His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who contributed much in his short time.

"In the close-knit community that is his Company and Commando unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers right now are with Tom's family and girlfriend at this difficult time."

'Tower of strength'

Marine Curry joined the forces in May 2005, going into the 11 Troop M company of the 42 Commando in February 2006 before being deployed to Afghanistan in October.

During his training he was awarded the Commando Medal for demonstrating "unselfishness, leadership, determination, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity".

Known by his troop as Vinders (Vindaloo), he was described by colleagues as "a tower of physical and mental strength".

"He was very close to his family and to his girlfriend, and often told his friends about how much he loved and missed them," a tribute from the MOD added.

The marine was the 45th member of the British forces to die in Afghanistan since November 2001 and one of two British soldiers who died in battle this weekend.

Commander of the UK Task Force Brigadier Jerry Thomas said: "I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his friends. They have lost a much loved member of their family and a good friend and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

A British soldier killed during a patrol in Basra, Iraq, on Saturday has been named as Kingsman Alex Green, 21, from Warrington.