BEFORE joining up, Sergeant Taylor was a cadet with the Bournemouth detachment of the Dorset Army Cadet Force.

His former instructor Lt Annette Geyser, who is now commander of the Wimborne detachment, said: “Luke was an excellent cadet.

“He was a confident young man, really committed and determined to become a Marine.

“Luke’s boots were always polished and his uniform immaculate. He transferred from Hampshire and I remember the first time I saw him on parade. He stood out from the rest and I knew he would do well.

“Luke always wanted to be a Marine and I never doubted his abilities. He always talked about joining up – it was his goal in life – and he was popular with the other cadets.

“He was with us from about the age of 15 until he was 18 when he left to join the Marines. Luke was very fit, keen and mature for his years.

“We became friends and socialised together. As well as being an outstanding cadet Luke was a lovely, genuine person “I hadn’t seen him for about five years. We’d lost touch when he joined the Marines and I was hoping we could catch up at a detachment reunion planned for September.”

Fighting back tears Lt Geyser, 39, said: “It’s really sad and I’m gutted.”