The valiant 20-year-old lost his life while selflessly providing fire support to colleagues under sustained enemy fire.

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He and his fellow 42 Commando, Royal Marine Georgie Sparks, who was also killed, had been on patrol to the north west of Lashkar Gar, in Helmand Province.

They had moved on to the roof of a compound when, at about 9am on Thursday, an attack by insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades left both badly wounded.

After immediate medical attention they were moved to a secure location and put on a helicopter to return to Camp Bastion, but both died from their injuries during the flight.



Marine Evans's parents, Tony Evans and Julia Churchill, said in a statement:"Tony was the type of person who would do anything to help his friends and family and was well respected by all.

"The Royal Marines was his life since the age of 13 when he became a Royal Marines cadet.

"We, his family, are very proud of what he achieved and will miss him dearly."

The Wearsider began his Royal Marines training in October 2006 and passed out in July 2007, joining 42 Commando a few days later. In February he completed Arctic warfare training in Norway.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Stickland Royal Marines, said: "Marine Tony Evans lost his life doing the job he loved, fighting alongside his friends and brothers-in-arms in the tight-knit and tenacious band that is J Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines.

"A man of humour, courage and energy, he was a 'Bootneck' (Marine) through and through.

"Respected by his peers, he was the epitome of the Commando; robust in action, loyal in friendship, determined and resolute and always living life to the full. The tributes from his colleagues say it all.

"We have lost one of the 'Smiley Boys' of 42 Commando Royal Marines, and his comrades are unwavering that his loss will not be in vain. This is a tragic loss touching all in the unit and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."

Major Reggie Turner said: "Marine Tony Evans was one of the biggest characters in J Company.

"Fit, determined and tenacious with an infectious sense of humour he could be relied upon to raise morale in the harshest of conditions. Physically strong with an evident passion for his job, Marine Evans was always at the forefront of the action.

"He embodied the Commando ethos being determined, unselfish and always cheerful in adversity.

"A consummate professional and team player he was always keen to develop his professional skills and took every opportunity to improve himself, whether it be in the gym or wading through A Brief History of Time."

"We will miss his irrepressible good humour, his companionship and his evident lust for life.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Marine Dave Wotherspoon, 2 Troop, J Company, said: "There is nothing about his job that Tony didn't love, whether it was going on patrol, sitting in a sangar (sentry post), or cracking funnies with the boys.

"He had a few issues though: his first one was the fact that he couldn't grow a moustache, as hard as he tried.

"Secondly, he was always trying to get himself 'massive', hitting the gym twice a day, but try as he did, he could never find that 'chest'. But inside was the heart of a lion.

"On his Cold Weather Warfare Course in Norway he was the winner of the Good Egg Award – for being an all-round good guy – which speaks volumes of his character.

"Always the first man in anywhere, he was eager, especially when asked to knock down a compound wall – in true 'Tony' style, he put down most of the compound. He will always be with us forever in our hearts and minds – a true man's man."

Marines Josh McGowan and Tom Ellis, J Company, said: "Tony Evans the Mackem, not a Geordie! Tony was a true definition of a "Bootneck", always smiling, always spinning his intriguing "dits" (stories) – some might say even when he shouldn't have been, but we still loved to hear them.

"Tony was always up for a laugh. If he wasn't lighting up a cigarette you would hear his distinctive Mackem voice echoing through the building.

"Tony was our "oppo" (mate) and most importantly, our friend. He will be truly missed and never forgotten throughout J Company."

Lance Corporal Chris Bedford, J Company, said: "Tony Evans was the typical Jack the lad, a nightmare for all the hierarchy. I have never known anyone to get in so much trouble! However, he brought so much morale to the lads, if you could understand his accent.

"Besides the tomfoolery he turned it on as a professional 'Bootneck' when he needed to. He came to me for advice on money, life in general and his broken car that is still sitting in the car park in Bickleigh Barracks. Tony brought life to the party and he will be sadly missed by all of us."

Captain Ben Gaffney Royal Marines Training Officer, said: "During his Troop Commander's interview in the first week of training, while most other Recruits were awkward and retiring, Tony could barely contain his excitement about the adventures that stood before him.

"Nothing fazed him during training; he faced every challenge with a big grin and gained the respect of the other members of his Troop and his training team alike.

"He was a talented soldier and a man whose humour and banter drew others to him. I instructed over 200 recruits during my time - Tony Evans was one of the very best. "

Marine Sparks, 19, was from Epping, in Essex. His parents, Wayne and Toni said: "We have lost our best friend as well as our son. We are deeply saddened."

Secretary of State for Defence, John Hutton MP, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of Marine Georgie Sparks and Marine Tony Evans.

"It is clear that both were brave and highly professional young men who died doing a job they were passionate about."

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