Marine James Robert Wright was part of Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Nad ‘Ali (North). On 5 August 2011 his patrol was involved in a significant engagement with insurgents in the Shpazh Gerebian area of Nad ‘Ali district.

After being pinned down by accurate fire for several hours, the patrol managed to extract themselves back to their base at Checkpoint Kamiabi. The checkpoint then came under attack from small arms fire and underslung grenade launchers. Marine Wright was wounded by a grenade which was fired into the checkpoint. He was extracted to the hospital at Camp Bastion where sadly, despite medical treatment, he later died of his wounds.

Marine James Wright was born on 18 November 1988 in Weymouth, Dorset, where he grew up with his parents, David and Sallie, and younger sister, Katie. He attended Wey Valley School and Weymouth College before joining the Royal Marines in November 2008.

He passed fit for duty in July 2009 and joined Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, making many close friends and carving a very successful career. He was an immensely proud Juliet Company ‘Jester’ and lived up to the true spirit of the Company; hard working, professional yet socially robust. Before deploying to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 14 he participated in many exercises and adventures including summiting Ben Nevis, conducting amphibious assault training in America on Exercise AURIGA and mastering the slopes during the Navy ski championships in France.

For Marine Wright, being in the Royal Marines was the supreme job and he was looking forward to a long and successful career wearing the coveted Green Beret; he believed “it’s more than just a beret; it’s a state of mind”. Marine Wright had a close family and long-term girlfriend, Shelley, who he cared for deeply, loved and enjoyed spending time with.

James will be sorely missed by his grandparents, father, David, mother Sallie, sister Katie, and partner Shelley, who is expecting their baby. He will be remembered as a loving son, a brother, godfather and friend.