BRAVE MARINE'S WAR ZONE DIARY

Sunday Mirror, Oct 5, 2008 by RUPERT HAMER

A BRAVE young Commando today gives Sunday Mirror readers a stark insight into life on Afghanistan's frontline in the first instalment of an exclusive internet blog.

Royal Marine Steven Townsley, 21, who arrived in the war zone last week, will give the inside story during airborne operations against the Taliban.

Steven, from Berkshire, tells how he and his colleagues from the crack 42 Commando go through their final drills before battle. Before flying out to Kandahar with the 8,000-strong 3 Commando Brigade Marine Townsley said: "We're trained for all-out war - but I'd rather be out there building a school or providing medical help for people.

"I'm looking forward to writing for The Sunday Mirror. It's important people know how committed we are to succeeding."

Read his blog at www.sundaymirror.co.uk