Son of Martin and Linda Curry, killed in action in Afghanistan, whilst serving with 11 Troop, M Coy. Royal Marine Commando aged 21.
Educated at Wanstead High School 1997-2002.
Marine Curry died when elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate action offensive operation near Kajakiin Northern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marine Commandos were engaged in close quarter fighting with the Taleban, and it was during this action that Marine Curry was killed. He died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire. In typical fashion, Marine Curry was leading his comrades courageously from the front when he came under enemy fire, whilst in the process of clearing an enemy compound. His section had already come under fire from a depth position, so the Marines had moved forward to close with the enemy. Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force said "I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his friends. They have lost a much loved member of their family and a good friend and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time"
Thomas Curry joined the Royal Marines on 16 May 2005. During his initial training he was awarded the Commando Medal, having been voted by his peers the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
On passing out from training, Tom, known as "Vinders" (Vindaloo) to his troop, joined 11 Troop,M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines in February 2006.He held true to the Commando values and quickly earned himself a reputation for looking after his colleagues and lending a helping hand whenever he could.
After an intense period of operational training with his unit, he deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. A tower of physical and mental strength, Marine Curry stood out as a man who could be relied on to see a task through, most recently demonstrating this dogged determination under the most challenging conditions of the battlefield, where his selfless disposition made him a cornerstone of the team in which he served. Although only a year out of training he had already demonstrated his potential to excel in his career in the Royal Marines through both his professional competence and rich personal attributes. Renowned in his Company for his enormous appetite, he was the first to laugh at jokes at his own expense and never missed an opportunity to cheer the lads up and raise morale. He was very close to his family and to his girlfriend, and often told his friends how much he loved and missed them. On operations he wrote and received many letters from friends and family-he was obviously loved very much.
Lt-Col Matt Holmes, Royal Marines, his Commanding Officer said "The tragic loss of Marine Curry is felt deeply by all, a reflection of what he brought to life and to all those who knew him. Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him, that had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues. He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by. He was a glowing example of what a Royal Marine represents, courageous, robust and highly professional. That he carried these qualities as a young man into the dangers of battle speaks volumes and we are all immensely proud of him.
Tom was also a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense. His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who, in his short time contributed much. In the close-knit community that is his Company and Commando Unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and girlfriend"
Tom had long been a hero to his family and friends. From his home in Wanstead his mother Linda, father Martin, brother James, sister Emma, fiancée Carla Maynard, and many friends spoke of his widespread popularity and natural leadership. His father, Martin said "Being at the front was Tom down to a T-that was how he lived. He was always very determined and would never back down all through his life. He was a hero to his family and now his comrades. He loved being a Marine"
Tom was educated at Wanstead Church School and Wanstead High School where-despite the fact that he preferred sport to academic pursuits-he gained 11 top grade GCSE's,"with very little studying " as his mother recalls.
He started playing Rugby at Wanstead RFC, where his father was President, at the age of 7. He went on tour with the Club to France and Holland and achieved one of his life goals by playing for the First XV at 18.Playing inside centre he was renowned for his speed and strength.In 2005 he helped the team win promotion to the London Leagues. He also used his physical prowess to raise money for Breakthrough,the breast cancer charity, climbing the ‘three peaks' with local fire-fighters in 2001 and 2003.Tom joined the Air Training Corps at 14, which his mother, Linda said "he absolutely loved" While with the ATC he went on a Marine Assault Course in Somerset and from then on was absolutely set on a career in the Marines. Linda said "He was turned down by the Marines the first time he went for assessment because he was too heavy to do five pull-ups! That made him even more determined to get in and he went on a special fitness regime to make sure he was accepted for training in May 2005. He won two medals during the gruelling 32 week training. The first was the Ward Medal for the best recruit at the halfway mark. The second medal he kept secret from his parents until the passing out ceremony which was the Commando Medal, selected by his peers and instructors as the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
Linda recalled "He was in the programme and didn't tell us why, and suddenly it was announced that he had won the Commando Medal" Younger sister Emma said "He always looked after me and protected me and I love him so much. I can't believe I'll never see him again." Tom's elder brother James said "Tom joined the Marines because he wanted to extend himself and do physical things. He was a beautiful person. He was so kind to me and always reached out to me. He liked it that we both had strong beliefs." The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007 and on a grey January afternoon, half a world away from the dusty plains where he met his end, the life of Tom Curry was celebrated by his friends. Twenty-five Royal Marines joined the funeral service at Christchurch, Wanstead, with eight acting as his pallbearers. After the service they accompanied the family to Chigwell, where he was laid to rest before assembling at Wanstead RFC where he had played for the first team. At the service, tributes from his school friends Adam Sandy and Kyle John Lewis were read out, as was a tribute from his rugby coach and family friend, James Donovan. Cornelia Lucey read a poem called Soulmate, which Tom's fiancée Carla had sent him before his death.
Thomas was very much loved and is missed by all his family and friends and also his girlfriend Carla to whom he proposed on Christmas day by telephone. They were planning to announce their engagement when Thomas was next on leave.
The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007.
**Please leave a token for this young, handsome and brave man, Thankyou.**
**A big Thankyou to Beth Painter for sponsoring Thomas's memorial.**
Educated at Wanstead High School 1997-2002.
Marine Curry died when elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate action offensive operation near Kajakiin Northern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marine Commandos were engaged in close quarter fighting with the Taleban, and it was during this action that Marine Curry was killed. He died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire. In typical fashion, Marine Curry was leading his comrades courageously from the front when he came under enemy fire, whilst in the process of clearing an enemy compound. His section had already come under fire from a depth position, so the Marines had moved forward to close with the enemy. Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force said "I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his friends. They have lost a much loved member of their family and a good friend and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time"
Thomas Curry joined the Royal Marines on 16 May 2005. During his initial training he was awarded the Commando Medal, having been voted by his peers the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
On passing out from training, Tom, known as "Vinders" (Vindaloo) to his troop, joined 11 Troop,M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines in February 2006.He held true to the Commando values and quickly earned himself a reputation for looking after his colleagues and lending a helping hand whenever he could.
After an intense period of operational training with his unit, he deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. A tower of physical and mental strength, Marine Curry stood out as a man who could be relied on to see a task through, most recently demonstrating this dogged determination under the most challenging conditions of the battlefield, where his selfless disposition made him a cornerstone of the team in which he served. Although only a year out of training he had already demonstrated his potential to excel in his career in the Royal Marines through both his professional competence and rich personal attributes. Renowned in his Company for his enormous appetite, he was the first to laugh at jokes at his own expense and never missed an opportunity to cheer the lads up and raise morale. He was very close to his family and to his girlfriend, and often told his friends how much he loved and missed them. On operations he wrote and received many letters from friends and family-he was obviously loved very much.
Lt-Col Matt Holmes, Royal Marines, his Commanding Officer said "The tragic loss of Marine Curry is felt deeply by all, a reflection of what he brought to life and to all those who knew him. Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him, that had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues. He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by. He was a glowing example of what a Royal Marine represents, courageous, robust and highly professional. That he carried these qualities as a young man into the dangers of battle speaks volumes and we are all immensely proud of him.
Tom was also a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense. His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who, in his short time contributed much. In the close-knit community that is his Company and Commando Unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and girlfriend"
Tom had long been a hero to his family and friends. From his home in Wanstead his mother Linda, father Martin, brother James, sister Emma, fiancée Carla Maynard, and many friends spoke of his widespread popularity and natural leadership. His father, Martin said "Being at the front was Tom down to a T-that was how he lived. He was always very determined and would never back down all through his life. He was a hero to his family and now his comrades. He loved being a Marine"
Tom was educated at Wanstead Church School and Wanstead High School where-despite the fact that he preferred sport to academic pursuits-he gained 11 top grade GCSE's,"with very little studying " as his mother recalls.
He started playing Rugby at Wanstead RFC, where his father was President, at the age of 7. He went on tour with the Club to France and Holland and achieved one of his life goals by playing for the First XV at 18.Playing inside centre he was renowned for his speed and strength.In 2005 he helped the team win promotion to the London Leagues. He also used his physical prowess to raise money for Breakthrough,the breast cancer charity, climbing the ‘three peaks' with local fire-fighters in 2001 and 2003.Tom joined the Air Training Corps at 14, which his mother, Linda said "he absolutely loved" While with the ATC he went on a Marine Assault Course in Somerset and from then on was absolutely set on a career in the Marines. Linda said "He was turned down by the Marines the first time he went for assessment because he was too heavy to do five pull-ups! That made him even more determined to get in and he went on a special fitness regime to make sure he was accepted for training in May 2005. He won two medals during the gruelling 32 week training. The first was the Ward Medal for the best recruit at the halfway mark. The second medal he kept secret from his parents until the passing out ceremony which was the Commando Medal, selected by his peers and instructors as the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
Linda recalled "He was in the programme and didn't tell us why, and suddenly it was announced that he had won the Commando Medal" Younger sister Emma said "He always looked after me and protected me and I love him so much. I can't believe I'll never see him again." Tom's elder brother James said "Tom joined the Marines because he wanted to extend himself and do physical things. He was a beautiful person. He was so kind to me and always reached out to me. He liked it that we both had strong beliefs." The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007 and on a grey January afternoon, half a world away from the dusty plains where he met his end, the life of Tom Curry was celebrated by his friends. Twenty-five Royal Marines joined the funeral service at Christchurch, Wanstead, with eight acting as his pallbearers. After the service they accompanied the family to Chigwell, where he was laid to rest before assembling at Wanstead RFC where he had played for the first team. At the service, tributes from his school friends Adam Sandy and Kyle John Lewis were read out, as was a tribute from his rugby coach and family friend, James Donovan. Cornelia Lucey read a poem called Soulmate, which Tom's fiancée Carla had sent him before his death.
Thomas was very much loved and is missed by all his family and friends and also his girlfriend Carla to whom he proposed on Christmas day by telephone. They were planning to announce their engagement when Thomas was next on leave.
The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007.
**Please leave a token for this young, handsome and brave man, Thankyou.**
**A big Thankyou to Beth Painter for sponsoring Thomas's memorial.**
Son of Martin and Linda Curry, killed in action in Afghanistan, whilst serving with 11 Troop, M Coy. Royal Marine Commando aged 21.
Educated at Wanstead High School 1997-2002.
Marine Curry died when elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate action offensive operation near Kajakiin Northern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marine Commandos were engaged in close quarter fighting with the Taleban, and it was during this action that Marine Curry was killed. He died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire. In typical fashion, Marine Curry was leading his comrades courageously from the front when he came under enemy fire, whilst in the process of clearing an enemy compound. His section had already come under fire from a depth position, so the Marines had moved forward to close with the enemy. Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force said "I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his friends. They have lost a much loved member of their family and a good friend and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time"
Thomas Curry joined the Royal Marines on 16 May 2005. During his initial training he was awarded the Commando Medal, having been voted by his peers the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
On passing out from training, Tom, known as "Vinders" (Vindaloo) to his troop, joined 11 Troop,M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines in February 2006.He held true to the Commando values and quickly earned himself a reputation for looking after his colleagues and lending a helping hand whenever he could.
After an intense period of operational training with his unit, he deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. A tower of physical and mental strength, Marine Curry stood out as a man who could be relied on to see a task through, most recently demonstrating this dogged determination under the most challenging conditions of the battlefield, where his selfless disposition made him a cornerstone of the team in which he served. Although only a year out of training he had already demonstrated his potential to excel in his career in the Royal Marines through both his professional competence and rich personal attributes. Renowned in his Company for his enormous appetite, he was the first to laugh at jokes at his own expense and never missed an opportunity to cheer the lads up and raise morale. He was very close to his family and to his girlfriend, and often told his friends how much he loved and missed them. On operations he wrote and received many letters from friends and family-he was obviously loved very much.
Lt-Col Matt Holmes, Royal Marines, his Commanding Officer said "The tragic loss of Marine Curry is felt deeply by all, a reflection of what he brought to life and to all those who knew him. Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him, that had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues. He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by. He was a glowing example of what a Royal Marine represents, courageous, robust and highly professional. That he carried these qualities as a young man into the dangers of battle speaks volumes and we are all immensely proud of him.
Tom was also a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense. His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who, in his short time contributed much. In the close-knit community that is his Company and Commando Unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and girlfriend"
Tom had long been a hero to his family and friends. From his home in Wanstead his mother Linda, father Martin, brother James, sister Emma, fiancée Carla Maynard, and many friends spoke of his widespread popularity and natural leadership. His father, Martin said "Being at the front was Tom down to a T-that was how he lived. He was always very determined and would never back down all through his life. He was a hero to his family and now his comrades. He loved being a Marine"
Tom was educated at Wanstead Church School and Wanstead High School where-despite the fact that he preferred sport to academic pursuits-he gained 11 top grade GCSE's,"with very little studying " as his mother recalls.
He started playing Rugby at Wanstead RFC, where his father was President, at the age of 7. He went on tour with the Club to France and Holland and achieved one of his life goals by playing for the First XV at 18.Playing inside centre he was renowned for his speed and strength.In 2005 he helped the team win promotion to the London Leagues. He also used his physical prowess to raise money for Breakthrough,the breast cancer charity, climbing the ‘three peaks' with local fire-fighters in 2001 and 2003.Tom joined the Air Training Corps at 14, which his mother, Linda said "he absolutely loved" While with the ATC he went on a Marine Assault Course in Somerset and from then on was absolutely set on a career in the Marines. Linda said "He was turned down by the Marines the first time he went for assessment because he was too heavy to do five pull-ups! That made him even more determined to get in and he went on a special fitness regime to make sure he was accepted for training in May 2005. He won two medals during the gruelling 32 week training. The first was the Ward Medal for the best recruit at the halfway mark. The second medal he kept secret from his parents until the passing out ceremony which was the Commando Medal, selected by his peers and instructors as the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
Linda recalled "He was in the programme and didn't tell us why, and suddenly it was announced that he had won the Commando Medal" Younger sister Emma said "He always looked after me and protected me and I love him so much. I can't believe I'll never see him again." Tom's elder brother James said "Tom joined the Marines because he wanted to extend himself and do physical things. He was a beautiful person. He was so kind to me and always reached out to me. He liked it that we both had strong beliefs." The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007 and on a grey January afternoon, half a world away from the dusty plains where he met his end, the life of Tom Curry was celebrated by his friends. Twenty-five Royal Marines joined the funeral service at Christchurch, Wanstead, with eight acting as his pallbearers. After the service they accompanied the family to Chigwell, where he was laid to rest before assembling at Wanstead RFC where he had played for the first team. At the service, tributes from his school friends Adam Sandy and Kyle John Lewis were read out, as was a tribute from his rugby coach and family friend, James Donovan. Cornelia Lucey read a poem called Soulmate, which Tom's fiancée Carla had sent him before his death.
Thomas was very much loved and is missed by all his family and friends and also his girlfriend Carla to whom he proposed on Christmas day by telephone. They were planning to announce their engagement when Thomas was next on leave.
The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007.
**Please leave a token for this young, handsome and brave man, Thankyou.**
**A big Thankyou to Beth Painter for sponsoring Thomas's memorial.**
Educated at Wanstead High School 1997-2002.
Marine Curry died when elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines were engaged in a deliberate action offensive operation near Kajakiin Northern Helmand, Afghanistan. The Royal Marine Commandos were engaged in close quarter fighting with the Taleban, and it was during this action that Marine Curry was killed. He died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire. In typical fashion, Marine Curry was leading his comrades courageously from the front when he came under enemy fire, whilst in the process of clearing an enemy compound. His section had already come under fire from a depth position, so the Marines had moved forward to close with the enemy. Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force said "I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his friends. They have lost a much loved member of their family and a good friend and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time"
Thomas Curry joined the Royal Marines on 16 May 2005. During his initial training he was awarded the Commando Medal, having been voted by his peers the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
On passing out from training, Tom, known as "Vinders" (Vindaloo) to his troop, joined 11 Troop,M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines in February 2006.He held true to the Commando values and quickly earned himself a reputation for looking after his colleagues and lending a helping hand whenever he could.
After an intense period of operational training with his unit, he deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. A tower of physical and mental strength, Marine Curry stood out as a man who could be relied on to see a task through, most recently demonstrating this dogged determination under the most challenging conditions of the battlefield, where his selfless disposition made him a cornerstone of the team in which he served. Although only a year out of training he had already demonstrated his potential to excel in his career in the Royal Marines through both his professional competence and rich personal attributes. Renowned in his Company for his enormous appetite, he was the first to laugh at jokes at his own expense and never missed an opportunity to cheer the lads up and raise morale. He was very close to his family and to his girlfriend, and often told his friends how much he loved and missed them. On operations he wrote and received many letters from friends and family-he was obviously loved very much.
Lt-Col Matt Holmes, Royal Marines, his Commanding Officer said "The tragic loss of Marine Curry is felt deeply by all, a reflection of what he brought to life and to all those who knew him. Tom died displaying the qualities so typical of him, that had rapidly earned him the respect of his colleagues. He was at the front, courageously closing with the enemy, with no thought for his own safety, just that of his colleagues who were close by. He was a glowing example of what a Royal Marine represents, courageous, robust and highly professional. That he carried these qualities as a young man into the dangers of battle speaks volumes and we are all immensely proud of him.
Tom was also a self-effacing, utterly unselfish and cheerful individual, never slow to have a laugh at his own expense. His country has lost a brave, selfless servant who, in his short time contributed much. In the close-knit community that is his Company and Commando Unit, we feel his loss deeply, but our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and girlfriend"
Tom had long been a hero to his family and friends. From his home in Wanstead his mother Linda, father Martin, brother James, sister Emma, fiancée Carla Maynard, and many friends spoke of his widespread popularity and natural leadership. His father, Martin said "Being at the front was Tom down to a T-that was how he lived. He was always very determined and would never back down all through his life. He was a hero to his family and now his comrades. He loved being a Marine"
Tom was educated at Wanstead Church School and Wanstead High School where-despite the fact that he preferred sport to academic pursuits-he gained 11 top grade GCSE's,"with very little studying " as his mother recalls.
He started playing Rugby at Wanstead RFC, where his father was President, at the age of 7. He went on tour with the Club to France and Holland and achieved one of his life goals by playing for the First XV at 18.Playing inside centre he was renowned for his speed and strength.In 2005 he helped the team win promotion to the London Leagues. He also used his physical prowess to raise money for Breakthrough,the breast cancer charity, climbing the ‘three peaks' with local fire-fighters in 2001 and 2003.Tom joined the Air Training Corps at 14, which his mother, Linda said "he absolutely loved" While with the ATC he went on a Marine Assault Course in Somerset and from then on was absolutely set on a career in the Marines. Linda said "He was turned down by the Marines the first time he went for assessment because he was too heavy to do five pull-ups! That made him even more determined to get in and he went on a special fitness regime to make sure he was accepted for training in May 2005. He won two medals during the gruelling 32 week training. The first was the Ward Medal for the best recruit at the halfway mark. The second medal he kept secret from his parents until the passing out ceremony which was the Commando Medal, selected by his peers and instructors as the man whose character best reflected the Commando qualities of unselfishness, leadership, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
Linda recalled "He was in the programme and didn't tell us why, and suddenly it was announced that he had won the Commando Medal" Younger sister Emma said "He always looked after me and protected me and I love him so much. I can't believe I'll never see him again." Tom's elder brother James said "Tom joined the Marines because he wanted to extend himself and do physical things. He was a beautiful person. He was so kind to me and always reached out to me. He liked it that we both had strong beliefs." The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007 and on a grey January afternoon, half a world away from the dusty plains where he met his end, the life of Tom Curry was celebrated by his friends. Twenty-five Royal Marines joined the funeral service at Christchurch, Wanstead, with eight acting as his pallbearers. After the service they accompanied the family to Chigwell, where he was laid to rest before assembling at Wanstead RFC where he had played for the first team. At the service, tributes from his school friends Adam Sandy and Kyle John Lewis were read out, as was a tribute from his rugby coach and family friend, James Donovan. Cornelia Lucey read a poem called Soulmate, which Tom's fiancée Carla had sent him before his death.
Thomas was very much loved and is missed by all his family and friends and also his girlfriend Carla to whom he proposed on Christmas day by telephone. They were planning to announce their engagement when Thomas was next on leave.
The repatriation ceremony for Thomas Curry was held at RAF Brize Norton on 24 Jan 2007.
**Please leave a token for this young, handsome and brave man, Thankyou.**
**A big Thankyou to Beth Painter for sponsoring Thomas's memorial.**
