Marine Sam Alexander is Laid to Rest

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Hammersmith hero's funeral held in Plymouth

The funeral of Sam Alexander, 28, a Royal Marine Commando from Hammersmith who was killed in Afghanistan's Helmand Province has taken place at the Minster Church of St Andrew's in Plymouth.

Sam, who lived in Skelwith Road in Hammersmith, was given the Military Cross in 2009 for saving the life of an injured colleague on a previous tour of Afghanistan. He launched a single-handed attack on a Taliban compound which enabled his medics to treat the wounded soldier.

He was killed on Friday May 27 along with Lieutenant Ollie Augustin, when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off during a routine patrol.

Earlier this month, the two men were honoured by the people of Wootton Bassett after their bodies were repatriated to England.

Sam, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday the day after the funeral service leaves a wife, Claire and one year-old son Leo.

His parents, Serena and Stuart both paid tribute to their son during the service.

Mrs Alexander said: "He believed 100% that what he was doing was going to help others.

"He believed Afghan women deserved the same chance of education as he had and that the Afghan people deserved to live as he did, without oppression.

"He believed in making the world a better place."

His father said that when his son was awarded his Military Cross "he emphasised it was not for him, it was for his troop, his company, the team, the lads. He was proud to be a Royal Marine".

At the time of his death, wife Claire said: "Sam was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He was our rock and my best friend. He has been taken from me all too soon. We both love him and will miss him very much."

A private burial was held after the church service at Bickleigh, where 42 Commando Royal Marines' base was and where Sam and Lieutenant Augustin were both serving.

June 23, 2011