During the morning of 15 May 2011, Lima Company were conducting a cordon and search operation, partnered with the Afghan National Security Forces, of compounds suspected of being associated with improvised explosive device facilitation in the Loy Mandeh wadi in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province.

The location of these compounds is outside of the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan which allows insurgent commanders to operate from them with a degree of impunity.

Lima Company landed in a helicopter and began to move towards the compounds of interest. Shortly afterwards, Marine Mead was fatally injured in an improvised explosive device blast.

Marine Mead was born on 9 October 1991. He lived with his mother, Amanda, and sister in Carmarthen. He studied at Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen until he joined the Royal Marines.

He joined the Royal Marines on 27 October 2008, aged 17. It was Marine Mead’s first employment after leaving school, and he enjoyed the demanding rigour of the Royal Marines. He passed fit for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 3 July 2009, as an original member of 977 Troop. He was the youngest marine to pass out from his troop.

On completion of training he joined 8 Troop, Lima Company, 42 Commando, based in Plymouth. He was involved in a number of high tempo and demanding tactical training exercises, including a two-month amphibious deployment to the United States. He also enjoyed wider training activities such as mountain training. He completed the full pre-deployment training package for operations in Afghanistan and in addition the long range rifle course.

Marine Mead loved his friends and family and thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Royal Marines.

He leaves behind his sister and mother Amanda.