A ROYAL Marine from Dartford has died while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Oliver Richard Augustin was leading his patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad 'Ali district in Helmand province when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The 23-year-old died on May 27, along with father-of-one Marine Sam Alexander MC, aged 28.

Both were from the Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines.

It is believed Lieutenant Augustin will be repatriated to Wootton Bassett on June 2.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

The lieutenant leaves behind his father Sean, his mother Jane and his sister Sarah.

In a statement released by the MoD, his parents paid tribute to their son saying: “Ollie was a much loved and cherished son.

“He was a beautiful boy who we were very proud of.

“He had many friends that he loved and who loved him in return.

"His warmth and humour lit a room and infected all around him.

“He dealt with people in a thoughtful and compassionate way.

“His independence and sense of adventure meant that he embraced life and his chosen path.

"Ollie we will all love and miss you forever."

Sarah also paid tribute to her brother.

She said: "Oli, you were a one in a million.

“You were brave, you were funny and I couldn't have wished for a better brother.

"You were so very special and made a lasting impression on anybody lucky enough to meet you. I will love you forever."

Born in Dartford, Lieutenant Augustin attended Dartford Grammar School in West Hill from 1999-2006.

He later moved to Wilmington, before settling in Eynsford.

Paying tribute to an “outstanding sportsman”, headmaster John Oakes said: “At school, Oliver was a boy who enjoyed life to the full, and always had a smile on his face.

“He never gave less than 100 per cent to his work, to his responsibilities to the wider life of the school and to his commitment to other people.”

Lieutenant Augustin began his officer training with the Royal Marines in September 2009 before passing fit for duty in December 2010.

His first appointment was in command of Fire Support Group, Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines.

Before joining the marines, he spent two months volunteering at a school in Kenya before travelling down to South Africa through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana.

He then flew on to Australia where he spent six months working, before concluding his travels in New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii.

A facebook page called For Lt Ollie Augustin has been set up in tribute.