Tributes to Halesowen marine killed in Afghanistan
Tributes have been paid to three British servicemen, including one from the West Midlands, killed in Afghanistan following a bloody week of fighting.
The family, friends and colleagues of Marine Jonathan Crookes, from Halesowen, Sergeant David Monkhouse, and Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths testified to their bravery and personal qualities.
They were among four UK troops who were killed in a 24-hour period in the country's Helmand Province.
On Monday the Ministry of Defence will name the fourth man killed. The serviceman, from the Royal Logistics Corps, died in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj district on Saturday.
On Sunday night the other dead were named by the MoD. Marine Crookes, 26, a reservist in 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin on Friday.
On the same day, Senior Aircraftman Griffiths, 20, from the RAF Regiment died in a vehicle crash near Camp Bastion.
Sgt Monkhouse, a 35-year-old member of the Royal Dragoon Guards, from Aspatria, Cumbria, was killed in a separate explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj district on Saturday.
Comrades described Marine Crookes, as a "gentle giant".
His mother Sue and fiancee Danielle Davis spoke of their pride in the marine, who volunteered to serve in Afghanistan three times.
Outside the Royal Marines, he was studying for a degree in International Relations and worked as a tree surgeon and labourer.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, said: "He was a bright, strong, fearless man with a selfless, determined, but well-humoured and affable manner; everyone admired Jonny Crookes."
