When Captain Philip Guy died, the Royal Marines lost an experienced and dedicated member of the team.

Yesterday, his commanding officer, Colonel Bill Dunham, confirmed the Fleet Protection Group would feel his loss, although he acknowledged the grief felt by the men still serving in Iraq would not be as keen as that felt by the family.

He said: "Phil was a brother Marine; in fact, the last time I spoke to him, it was to tick him off for abusing one of our boats.

"He took it in good heart, as he always did, but I still feel bad about it.

"But, today, our thoughts must be with the families at what is a very difficult time - especially for Helen, Henry and Emily.'' Col Dunham described Capt Guy as an accomplished professional who was held in high regard by both his fellow officers and the men who served under him.

He said: "What we have to accept in the Armed Forces, particularly in times of crisis, is that casualties are always a possibility - but that does not mean our grief is any the less."

Col Dunham added that the Marines' high regard for their fallen comrade was also reflected in the preparations for the funeral, conducted with full military honours.

An 18-strong party practised drill for three days before the ceremony.

His coffin was draped with the Union Flag throughout the funeral, with his ceremonial sword, medals and peaked cap laid on top as the service ended.

Three precise volleys of rifle fire echoed over Capt Guy's grave as he was laid to rest at a private interment which followed.

12/04/2003