Shortly before 1215 hrs local time, of this day in the year 2008, Corporal Damian Mulvihill was taking part in a joint ISAF - ANA patrol engaged in operations near Sangin. The marines of Alpha Company, 40 Commando, were conducting a clearance patrol to deter Taliban intimidation of local Afghans. It was during this action that an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated, sadly killing Corporal Mulvihill instantly. He died leading his section and the Company from the front. Corporal Damian ‘Dee’ Mulvihill was born on 5 June 1975 and was from Plymouth. He joined the Royal Marines on 20 September 1998 and completed Commando training despite contracting septicaemia towards the end. After passing out of recruit training, ‘Dee’ joined 42 Commando Royal Marines where he took part in numerous deployments around the world as well as taking part in Operation Palliser and Operation Silkman in Sierra Leone and Operation Banner in Northern Ireland.
During his time at 42 Commando he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He then joined Air Defence Troop in 2002 and completed his specialist training before being promoted to Corporal in December 2003. On completion of his service with the United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group, based at Stonehouse Barracks in his home town of Plymouth, he joined Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines in April 2006.
‘Dee’ was a giant of a man who impressed all who met him. Ever cheerful, he would never allow problems to get him down. He always had a friendly word for anyone he met and his fantastic personality filled any room he walked into. He was an excellent listener and would always make time for others.
‘Dee’ loved his boxing and rugby and represented the Royal Marines at rugby union. He was also a keen water polo player and represented the Royal Navy and the Combined Services team at the sport. ‘Dee’ was a true character who will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to serve with him. Humorous, caring and a true friend, he will be sadly missed by all his comrades in 40 Commando, Royal Marines, and the wider Corps family.
‘Dee’ leaves behind a loving fiancee and family of whom he talked about to anybody and everybody. He and his fiancee Lisa were planning to marry in the near future, and our deepest sympathies are extended to Lisa, his parents and all family and friends.
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell Royal Marines, Commanding Officer of 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:
"The loss of Corporal Mulvihill is a devastating blow for his family, his friends and his unit. An outstanding junior leader, he was immensely popular in both his company and the wider Commando unit. A charismatic man, he possessed an irrepressible sense of humour and would always be found with a broad smile on his face, regardless of the challenges or difficulties that he was facing.
As a marine, he epitomised the Commando spirit. Courageous and selfless, his cheerfulness in adversity could be guaranteed, he always demonstrated the very highest standards of professional competence in everything that he undertook."
Another year goes by yet we will never forget. To this day, servicemen and women are in harms way. Putting themselves in significant danger, fighting for what they believe in and sometimes what they don't. They are there for each other, and we are here for them.
We perform this workout as a mark of respect for Dee, but also to celebrate the lives of many others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, defending their countries and the world.
CrossFit Cardiff WoD
"The Bear"
Within 20min, complete as many rounds and reps as possible of:
12 OH Walking Lunges (50/35kg)
15 Burpees
8 Bar Muscle Ups
Please post rounds and reps to comments...
