Croxteth Park Royal Marine dies after insurgent attack in Afghanistan A POPULAR Royal Marine, from Croxteth Park, has died on what has been described as the grimmest day for the armed forces.
Michael ”Mick” Laski died on Wednesday, two days after he was wounded in Afghanistan.
On the same day, three British soldiers from 1st Battalion The Rifles, were killed when a bomb struck their Land Rover.
Marine Laski died in hospital in Birmingham surrounded by his family, within 48 hours of being hit by enemy fire in Helmand Province.
The 21-year-old, who was described as a "dependable, brave and selfless man", was out on foot patrol with Yankee Company when they were attacked.
Caught in open fire by insurgents, Marine Laski was struck by a bullet and, despite the efforts of his colleagues, never regained consciousness.
Marine Laski completed his Royal Marines training in September, 2006, and immediately deployed to Afghanistan.
He returned to the war-torn country on a second operational tour last year as a signaller with Yankee Company of 45 Commando.
He was described yesterday as a “dependable, brave and selfless man” with an engaging personality and an infectious sense of humour that endeared him to all..
Lt Col Jim Morris, commanding officer of 45 Commando Group, said: “Marine Mick Laski was a Royal Marine Commando through and through.
“Bright, quick-witted, incredibly determined and extremely brave he always sought out every opportunity to operate as close to the front line as possible.”
Major Rich Parvin, officer commanding Yankee Company, described the Royal Marine as a “thinking man’s soldier”.
He said: “His ‘Scouse’ wit was always well timed and he would often break the tension at moments of pressure with his dry sense of humour.
“Brave in combat and always ready to assist others in a task, he was all that a Royal Marine should be.”
He added: “His loss is a tragedy, but his life was a gift to all who knew him.
“He lived his life with a determination to always succeed against adversity, but he did this with humility, dignity and humanity.
“He will be an example for those of us that remain and his memory will galvanise our spirits in difficult times ahead.”
THE DAILY POST
