A Chorley soldier was described as a “natural warrior and perfect commander” at an inquest into his death, yesterday.

Royal Marine Jonathan Holland, from 45 Commando, was killed by a landmine in Afghanistan on February 21, 2007.

The 23-year-old, who lived in Devonshire Road, died while on patrol in the Sangin Valley, in Helmand Province.

His parents, Bernadette and Craig Holland, and sisters, Emma and Fiona, attended the hearing which lasted for more than three hours at Preston Coroners’ Court, on Tuesday, September 9.

Jonathan, known as ‘Dutchy’, had been deployed on Operation Herrick, providing assistance and protection for Royal Engineers, who were searching for Taliban-laid mines.

Describing the moment Jonathan was killed, Sergeant Michael Fulthorpe said: “He literally blew into the air.

“It was an absolutely enormous blast and it happened just as he was about to get into position and say everything was okay.

“His heart was still beating but he wouldn’t have been able to feel any pain because the explosion was so immense.”

First aid was administered to Jonathan at the scene and he was flown to a nearby hospital but he was pronounced dead within an hour of the blast.

His commanding officer, Major Jim Gray said: “Jonathan was a truly fabulous guy and a great marine who loved his family dearly.

“He was a conscientious technical soldier and it would have been very unlikely that he would have seen the device which ended up killing him.

“I had the honour and privilege of commanding him for two years, and found that he was a natural warrior who was revered, level-headed and well-respected by his colleagues.”

Assistant coroner, Nicola Mundy recorded unlawful killing while in active service as the cause of death.

She said: “Jonathan stepped on a anti-vehicle device which had been specifically adapted by terrorists for the sole purpose of causing death.

“He sustained severe injuries to his left leg and arm and spleen which rendered him very rapidly unconscious and died as a result of these blast wounds.

“He was a technical and meticulous marine and he was a remarkable individual who was well loved by everyone.”

Jonathan joined the Royal Marines in 2002, and joined the 45 Commando unit after passing out of Commando Training. He was the longest serving member of Whiskey Company, a fact of which he was extremely proud.

He also served on peace-keeping duties to Northern Ireland.

His bosses said he was tough but compassionate and in Afghanistan would often be found up late at night listening to the cares and concerns of the men with whom he lived so closely.

Prior to joining the Royal Marines Jonathan had been very keen on martial arts, and still retained his love of the sport within the corps.

A statement read out on behalf of Jonathan’s mother, Bernadette said: “Mrs Holland would like to thank friends and family in Chorley who have given her support during this difficult period.”

A hill near to where Jonathan was killed has been renamed Dutchy Hill in his memory.

Earlier this year, Jonathan’s brother, Mick Holland and his friend Lewis Pickup, both 23, ran the Flora London Marathon, in his memory.

They raised almost £2,000 for The Royal British Legion's poppy support welfare services, which assists the serving and ex-service community.

Mick, of Goulding Street, Chorley, served in the Army for five years as a vehicle mechanic before leaving in 2006.