Josh Biscuit Howell

25 Jul 08


Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Marine Josh Howell, of 40 Cdo Royal Marines, who sadly died suddenly as he was going about camp duties at his base in Taunton, UK on 21 July 2008.

Marine Josh 'Biscuit' Howell

Josh Howell was born on 30 January 1987 and was from Coventry. He joined the Royal Marines in January 2005 and successfully completed 30 weeks of arduous training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.

During this process he excelled and was quickly marked out as being both incredibly physically fit and mentally agile displaying huge potential even from this early point. He was passed for duty in July 2005 upon being awarded both the coveted Green Beret and the Commando Medal. Notably, he received this prestigious Medal having been nominated by his peers as their fellow Recruit displaying the greatest Commando qualities of them all; courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

In September 2007 Marine Howell deployed with 40 Commando Royal Marines to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. As part of Bravo Company Group, he was based in the town of Sangin. Throughout this challenging and dangerous tour his dedication was unremitting and his professionalism shone through. He was repeatedly involved in ferocious fire fights with the enemy and unfailingly demonstrated his composure and courage under fire.

His character enabled him to lead by example. During periods of high activity when all around him were exhausted, his enthusiasm and robustness enabled him to set an exemplary standard and his example was outstanding. His sharp wit and unique sense of humour were always to the fore and he never missed an opportunity to crack a joke, often at his own expense, to raise the morale of the men. He was a genuine character and immensely popular throughout his unit.

A tremendous eater, Josh was known to all, since his very first day in the Royal Marines, as 'Biscuit' - the only thing that everyone else left from the rations were the biscuits. Biscuit was an inspiration to all; incredibly funny, compassionate and generous he was one of the most popular men in Bravo Company. His faultless impressions of friends, celebrities, a growing list of animals and a particularly impressive dinosaur were a joy to behold.

Certainly one of the brightest stars for the future, Josh's tragic passing has left a tremendous hole amongst all who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, particularly his mother Kim, his sister Laura and his girlfriend Zoe.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell RM, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Royal Marines said:

"Marine Howells death has come as huge shock to all members of 40 Commando Royal Marines. A truly professional, accomplished young man he was undoubtedly one of the most capable Royal Marines of his generation.

"Brave, determined and compassionate in equal measure 'Biscuit' was immensely popular with all ranks and had rapidly established himself as a star of the future. At this most difficult time the thoughts of all members of 40 Commando are with his family and friends."

Major Dan Cheesman RM, Officer Commanding Bravo Company said:

"Quite simply one of the most capable, popular, and generous Royal Marines I have ever met. If he had been given the chance, I am confident that he would have gone all the way in the Corps and continued to prove an inspiration to all.

"It is testament to Biscuit's quality how many Corporals have stepped up and counted him as both a friend and an equal. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family at this shocking time."

Second Lieutenant Jon Lasker RM, Officer Commanding 5 Troop said:

"Marine Howell was an outstanding soldier, confident, strong, fit and reliable. It was an honour and a privilege to have served 5 Troop with him. In the time I have known Biscuit, he never once shied away from responsibility, was always eager to push himself and over-delivered on everything he was asked to perform.

"His tragic and untimely death has dealt a heavy blow to Bravo Company and 40 Cdo RM. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."


"A truly professional, accomplished young man he was undoubtedly one of the most capable Royal Marines of his generation."
Lt Col Stuart Birrell RM
Corporal Ads Palmer, 1 Section Commander 5 Troop said:

"Biscuit in my eyes was the life and soul of the party and the strongest member of our Troop. He epitomised a Royal Marine in all his qualities, especially his cheerfulness in adversity. As his Section Commander, I know how good he was and how much of a loss his passing has meant to our Troop, the wider Corps and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him."

Corporal Bobby Scott, 3 Section Commander, 5 Troop said:

"When I think of Biscuit I think of a top bloke. He was not only held in high regard by myself, but by all that knew him. He was extremely popular amongst the Troop and rightly so, he could always lift the spirits of us all. I very rarely, if ever, heard him complain and even when he was down in the dumps he could always produce a telling, trademark smile.

"A very professional colleague, but also a friend. He was as dedicated to his peers as they were to him and he will be sorely, sorely missed not only by his mates in 5Tp, but by the whole of the Royal Marines."

Corporal Chris Broun, 2 Section Commander, 5 Troop said:

"I had the privilege of being Biscuit's Section Commander whilst he completed Commando Training at CTCRM, where he earned his nickname - he liked his food and whilst on exercise all he could find to constantly snack on were the issued ration pack biscuits, which no one else liked, but Josh was constantly munching on.

"He was awarded the Commando Medal at the end of training, which is an award voted for by his fellow troop members, which shows how early on his career he had gained the respect of those who worked alongside him.

"Biscuit moved on and eventually joined the same Troop as myself in 40 Cdo RM where he continued to display all of his amazing attributes. He was popular with anyone who was lucky enough to meet him and never once displayed anything other than absolute professionalism."

Marine Connor Mulligan, 3 Section, 5 Troop said:

"Josh Howell AKA 'Biscuit' was one of the kindest, funniest most generous people I ever knew. No matter how bad a situation was, Biscuit always made me laugh, he was my morale in Afghanistan. When I was at my low points and scraping my last bit out the bottom of the barrel, Biscuit would fill it right back up again within seconds of doing 'The Robot' or pulling one of his funny faces.

"He was the cornerstone of our Troop, and my day-to-day life, especially on Operations. Nothing can prepare you for what has happened; he'll be greatly missed and always loved. I can't describe how much he meant to me and the rest of the Troop and Company."

Marine Tim Cranfield, 3 Section, 5 Troop said:

"Biscuit, thank you for always being a very good oppo! I will never forget Malia and those pink shorts! Take care and try and improve your admin!!!"

Marine Tom Wnorowski, Intelligence Cell said:

"Biscuit was one of the most mild-mannered, good-natured blokes I've ever met. Devoted to his friends, he was willing to do anything for anyone. I think the main thing I'll remember is his ability to make me laugh with his 'dinosaur antics' no matter what the situation. "The star that burns the brightest, burns the shortest!" - that's the way I'll remember him, as a person who lit up my life for a short time, but will forever leave a lasting impression."

Marine Tom Parker, 2 Section, 5 Troop said:

"He was always one lad you could rely on for a laugh and to lift everyone when times weren't so good. It is a shocking and tragic loss of a good friend, especially after a successful tour of Afghanistan.

"It nearly always had something to do with him if there was a joke going round in the Troop, whether it was his impersonations of people or random stories, it would always end up in smiles on the lads' faces."

Marine Dave Boore, 3 Section, 5 Troop said:

"It's a massive loss to his friends, family and the Corps. He was a really funny, genuine bloke who will be sorely missed. A huge character amongst us all and we will never forget him. I will always remember 'Biscuit' for his hilarious impressions of friends, famous people and animals!

"Professionally he had a huge amount of potential and he was extremely good at his job.

"As a friend I'll miss the banter, jokes and the experiences we had together. Everyone will miss Josh."