Royal Marine Inquest

Corporal Stephen Curley, 26, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin, was was killed while on foot patrol on May 26 2010.

The patrol was taking place through the southern Green Zone around Sangin in order to reassure local people and understand their concerns about living in the area.

The Marine, who served in the country with his elder brother, Sean, was described as a “perfectionist” who prided himself on being the best.

At the time of his death his mother Andrea said: “He always looked up to his older brother Sean and it meant so much to them both when at one period they served together in Afghanistan.”

His widow, Kirianne, added: “It is impossible for me to express what my husband meant to me. Daddy to our 18-week-old son William and my partner in crime, Stevie was my purpose, what makes me tick.

“A man of few but powerful words when it mattered, he lived by the motto ‘If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room’. This will be forever imprinted on our hearts.

“Stevie was a perfectionist - he prided himself on being the best and the best he was.”

Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, Cpl Curley lived with his wife and young son William in Exeter, Devon.

He had previously served in Iraq as well as another tour of Afghanistan in 2006 before returning there in March 2010, according to the Ministry of Defence.

He was deployed on Operation Herrick 12, serving in Sangin as part of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson Operations Company.

Cpl Curley died on the same day as another British serviceman lost his life in a separate incident.

The inquest will take place at County Hall in Exeter, Devon.