At such a poignant time for you all, I felt compelled to share my feelings in your tragic loss of Paul. As a local (Abbey Village, Chorley) father of a son also called Paul serving with III PARA, both of a similar age. I cannot bear the thought of how you still must feel having lost so much. During deployment, I too dread the knock on the door by the regimental chaplain, accompanied by two of Paul's comrades. What I can share however is the amazing pride you feel in having seen such a remarkable young man, grow and mature into such a capable, mature confident man. Indeed all that as parents we would all wish for our sons. God bless you and may you all at some point find some semblance of peace in your loss.

Paul was an amazing friend, so loyal and caring. He always knew how to put a smile on your face and always stood up for what he believed in. I do not have one bad memory of Paul as he was always a pleasure to be around. Paul was respected by many for his dedication to friendship. I remember the nights out we had when teenagers and the parties (that weren't parties!!) he only occassionally held! Every minute spent with Paul was never dull and he always knew how to make me smile - something only a great friend could do. I will miss him so much and I regret every day I didnt get in touch whilst he was in the Marines. Paul has made so many people so proud and impacted their lives greatly. I hope he rests in peace and sleeps well. Good night Paul, Much love always - Leanne xxxxxx

May God Bless his family at this really sad time, a true hero who died for his country. RIP x

Yet another brave, selfless young lion of England has lost his life. I don't personally know any of these fine lads who have given the ultimate sacrifice, but my heart goes out to your family, and loved ones, and brothers in arms. RIP. So, very, very sad.

I first met Paul a year ago at Royal Marines Poole. My first impression was that he was a very ‘switched on’ marine with a great attitude towards the job.

His ability to 'blackcat' you with his terrible dits, after a few drinks ashore were second to none.

Paul was the kind of guy that would help you if you had a bone question, or give advice about anything without even batting an eyelid.

This was one of the many great qualities he had, along with making the best out of a bad situation, of which we experienced many, whilst running over the hills of the Brecon Beacons.

Paul was someone I was glad to call one of my best mates. He will be sorely missed by me, 9 Troop, and all of the mighty Spartans of Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines.

We will miss you mate and you'll never be forgotten.

from Marine Adam Baird, 9 Troop Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines

I joined the Corps on 22 May 2006 along with Paul and 50 other recruits; many of whom did not pass training. In those first few months I knew Paul as a straightforward, hard working, determined individual who had no trouble passing out of training.

Afterwards we went our separate ways, Paul to 45 Commando and me to 40 Commando. In February 2010 we again ended up in the same Troop.

It was only on HERRICK 12 that I really got to know and respect him. Our shared interests and Paul's sense of humour always made talking to him easy.

But it was Paul's professionalism, integrity and courage that made him the man I would turn to for his advice or opinion on all matters; whether it was work or personal.

No task was beneath him and nothing phased him. It was a pleasure and honour to know and work with you Paul. I have lost a good friend and the Corps has lost a great marine. Rest in peace mate.

from Lance Corporal Seb Rolland, 9 Troop Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines

Lance Corporal Andy Coyle, Marine Sam Bend, Marine Matt Sabberton, Marine John Crookes, Marine Glyn Forshaw and Marine Steve McConnell, said:

Paul joined 40 Commando around four months before we deployed to Sangin and he moved into our flat as his new home in Taunton.

Sometimes it can take a while to get to know someone, especially when joining an already tight knit group as we were. However, this was not the case with Paul; from when he walked into Flat 6 he fitted in immediately with the lads and was instantly one of the boys.

Having already deployed to Afghanistan with 45 Commando, on Operation HERRICK 9, and more specifically to Sangin, he was always willing to reassure the lads and was very helpful when giving advice from his experiences.

Paul was an absolute pleasure to live with; he was always having a laugh and always making his fair share of the 'wets'.

Paul had aspirations of going to University upon leaving the Corps, where he would have undoubtedly excelled.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul’s parents and family at this time. It was an absolute pleasure to have known Paul and we will never forget him.

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul’s parents at the Families Day prior to deploying to Sangin. They were immensely proud of their son and all of his achievements. Our thoughts go out to them at this heart breaking time. Rest in Peace Royal.

from Corporal Simon Schofield, Section Commander, 9 Troop, Charlie Company