Sergeant
Alpha Company
40 Commando
Royal Marines
British Naval Service

He was deployed with the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Sgt Darbyshire was killed by enemy small arms fire during a firefight while on a security patrol in the Sangin district, Helmand province.

Aged 35, from Wigan, Greater Manchester. He joined the Royal Marines in 1996 and served operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He deployed on his second tour to Helmand in April 2010. Known as "Darbs", he was the father figure of his troop and had a calming influence on his men. His commanding officer described him as a selfless, honest and extraordinarily courageous leader. He was also a great fan of sports, particularly football and golf, but especially rugby. He passionately supported the Wigan Warriors and, earlier in his career, represented the corps as a rugby league player.

Sgt Darbyshire leaves behind his partner Kate and their two young sons Ryan and Callum, parents Barbara, John, Derek and Sue, brother Neil, and other family and friends. From the family's statement: "Being a Royal Marine was Steven's life and growing up it was all he wanted to do. He was proud to wear the uniform and served his country as the consummate professional. He died doing the job he so loved. He was strong, vibrant, generous, passionate, full of life and he certainly lived life to the full. Our World will be a bleaker place without him, his infectious laughter and fantastic sense of humour. Mere words do not begin to convey the deep grief and painful heartbreak his untimely death has brought to his shattered family and friends."

Funeral with full military honours was held on July 8, 2010 at Wigan Parish Church.

*Thanks to Peter Green for the grave photo