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A tragic loss in a seemingly senseless World - John will be missed by both friends and colleagues. Rest in peace. Geoff and Martin

What can i say....what a guy. this has come as such a shock. i have known John since first school. i have alot of found memories of him and lots of pictures to back them up!! John - your a hero mate. We will all miss you. All my thougths are with the 'Thorntons' RIP. xx

It is a massive shock not only to people close to him of corse but the Ferndown community as a whole. What an amazing young man, who gave so much and made an impact to everyone around him. If people didn't know him they knew who he was. My thoughts are with his family. RIP mate. x

I'm gutted, I'v known John since first school, I never imagined i would be reading something like this about him, he was a really good guy, always knew how to crack the jokes in the boring lessons and make them more fun. He was a very active guy throughout his life and will be very sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family and freinds. RIP JT XXX

An absolute tragic loss. Again i've known John since first school and never in a million years would i have thought i'd be writing in a book of condolence for him. John was such a great guy, thoughful, selfless, had a wicked sense of humor, and never a bad a word about anybody. He will be missed by friends and family, and has left a hole in so many hearts. My thoughts go out to the Thornton family. We love you JT, RIP xXxXxXxXx

My thoughts to all of this young mans family and friends at this tragic time. Such a loss to the local community and to a generation. You gave the ultimate John and although I never knew you in life I will always remember you for what you gave...RIP with honour. Chris

Such a VERY sad loss, our sincere condolences go out to John's family and friends - You are in our thoughts. As well as his family and friends, I know this is going to hit the community and especially those who knew John from ATC or school very hard. It puts everything else in our own lives into perspective. Rest in peace John - we are all proud of you!

Still dont know what to say really.I went to school with John, he was full of determination and good jokes that kept alot of us going.From protector to evryone to guardian angel for all of us. R.I.P John,u'll be sorely missed ****

John, You made a great impact with whoever you met. A true character and a great bloke My thoughts are with your family. RIP Mate

Sincere condolences to John's family & may he rest in peace.

This has come as such a tragic shock. John was such an amazing guy, a total ray of sunshine and everybodys hero. I have such wonderful memories of growing up with John, that will stay with me forever. He was one of lifes truely amazing characters and left his mark with everybody who was fortunate enough to have met him. My sympathy and thoughts go out to the Thornton family at this difficult time. Rest in peace sweetheart, we will never forget you. xxx

Very tragic loss...John was my sons commander of 8 Platoon in Iraq when he was serving with the Devon & Dorsets.He was highly respected and admired and this will be very sad news to all who served with him. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

R.I.P. Royal. You may stand down, your duty is done. Sincere condolences to all family and friends.

I am so sorry that such a great young man has been killed. I know that this was what he always wanted to do, and that is some consolation. My deepest sympathy to all the family, and Ian especially.

I've known John for a long time, and thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for all of us. Please continue to support all of our troops that are out there, fighting for us. John was an amazing guy and a real character. He touched the lives everyone he met. Love and support to his family xxx

When John arrived at Junior Leaders he was already well on the way to becoming the brave and inspirational leader he later proved himself to be – A shining star that required so little polish. His commitment and hard work coupled with his sense of humour made him such a likeable character. John never lost contact with the course and his visits were valuable and inspiring to the students each year. I was extremely grateful that John took the time to visit us so much in between deployments. I am devastated at the news of his death and the world is a lesser place without him. I will miss him. John will never be forgotten by those who had the good fortune to meet him – Our thoughts are with his parents, brothers, comrades and friends. RIP JT Steve Williams

I have known John since Upper school, and although not a close friend he is someone i have always admired. I don't think there is anyone anywhere who could have a bad word to say about John. My heart goes out to all of his family at this tragic time.

I was John's squadron commander when he joined 2358 Ferndown ATC SQN in 1998 and I soon recognised, along with my staff, his unique and special qualities. John was such an inspirational individual and a born leader. The best of the best. I and so many other of my colleagues are the better for having known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with John's parents,family and friends. Wing Commander P.A. Cubitt RAFVR(T) Officer Commanding Dorset & Wiltshire Wing ATC

So very, very sorry to hear about John. He was immensely popular and an example to all around him. My heart and tears go out to his family and that wonderful Ferndown Upper year group who were so fond of him.

I did not know him, but as an ex armed forces myself, I would like to say. A young man who was happy to serve his country, where ever he may be. Sadly he died, but a hero. RIP John Chris Ex Royal Navy

We grew up with John and his brother Ian and are so so sad to hear of his death. John as a young boy was always playing the soilder and it was inevitable that eventually he would do it as a profession, he is a credit to his family and achieved so much in his short life as well as making a difference to everyone who was lucky enough to have known him, he will be greatly missed.

I didn't know John well, but did have the privilege of meeting him a few times. He was a lovely, bright, shining lad who could have gone far and who achieved an awful lot in his short life. My condolences and sympathies go to his family particularly but also to everyone else who knew him and who will miss him.

Like so many of us, I still can not believe this tragic loss, neither do I want to believe it. There isn't a bad word to be said about John. He was the most cheeky yet charming lad and so full of spirit and love for his job. There are so many lifes that he has made a difference to and was fighting for our freedom. May you now rest in peace JT. You will be missed. Love and support to the Thronton family.x

What an utter shock. It is with great, great sadness that I write in this book of condolence for John Thornton. For all that he successfully achieved from climbing Kilamanjaro to fulfilling his dream of becoming a Royal Marine, and all that he did in between,he will forever remain an inspiration to us all.In school I knew him to be the life and soul of his classes and all parties too and enjoyed being in school performances alongside him:) My deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to all his family and dear friends at this time. xxx

A young, talented and brave person who has been taken away from all those who knew and loved him. John was such a polite, kind and determined young man who had the determination make something of his life..and he did. I remember the days when he was a lifeguard and he would always update me on his journey in becoming a marine. I am so proud of John and he is an inspiration to us all, who risked everthing to do his duty. My prayers and thoughts go to the family at this very sad time. RIP to a friendly fellow, you will be greatly missed ****

its the unselfish people like you that let people like me sleep safe in our beds at night good night god bless ****

You were a very brave young man, and thoghts are with your family at this time, another young life taken away too short.

Such heartbreak again. So young, to young to die. Another hero gone. My sincere condolences to your family and friends at this terrible time. I lost my cousin Steven Jones back on 30th Jan 2005 he was in the RAF Hercules that came down in Iraq. Never did get to meet him but he is still my hero. Only 25 years old. Thank god for these brave men and women who put their lives on the line to make this world a better place for everyone. God bless all the fallen hero's and never let them be fogotten. ****

I am very sorry to hear about john's death, my heart goes out to all his family and friends. my son's father went out to afhganistan on monday. I am sure that john died doing what he did best.....

I never knew John, but my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. You were a hero and im sure everyone who knew you will be very proud. I have friends in the Marines and we should all be proud of all of them. RIP John. xx.

Like so many others i have known John since first school. He was an amazing guy. Always the life and soul of the party. I remember when everyone else was out having fun he would be out jogging for hours with a huge backpack on that weighed nearly as much as him. Ever since i can remember it was what he wanted to do, it was him all over thinking of others before himself.We have had some wicked times and he will always be remembered. My heart is with his family. RIP John x x x x x

I never had the pleasure of meeting John, but heard so many stories through his father Pete who I have worked with for 15 years. I was utterly shocked and saddened when I heard the sad news, and my thoughts have been constantly with his family since. RIP John. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

I worked with John through RM Trainign and was in his section. He was without doubt one of the happiest and 'glass half full' guys i have ever met. I remember one time after a navigation excercise that we finished early we just forced oursleves to stay awake chatting about how, for the first time ever, we were going to get a full nigths sleep without being forced to get up and do some excercise. I have still got a CD he made for me on Great British Classics - typical John! An amazing guy and this world is a worse place because he has gone.

Take care Royal as you commence the eternal standeasy. You will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and the Corps. There is another Globe and Buster in heaven tonight. Dug Hickin RM

A gentleman, a friend, a hero. John, you touched thousands of lives in your short but full life, you will be missed by many. Rest in peace. With much love. Nici, John, Rich and Tom Burn XX

We knew John through Ferndown 2358 Squadron ATC. He was a much liked and well respected cadet,who will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. Dennis, Serena, Daniel and Samantha Austen.

This story has really touched me, like others I so often read.I do not know you John, but your parents, your family and the Royal Marines must be so **** proud of you.

Words will never do justice to john as he was the man that did. He was the best Cadet, friend, leader and sportsman, inspiring so many to follow. He was a great example of what a man should be. He excelled at everything he did and yet never boasted of his achievements; instead he encouraged others to achieve more. I have learnt so much from john in the time I knew him and have so many memories of him in everything I do. My thoughts are with the family. R.I.P x

I still can't belive John has gone, it really hits home when it's someone you know. What a job these guys have trying to do some good in the world even when it puts your own life at risk. John you will be sorely missed and thought of always. You were so brave right until the end. My thoughts and Cuddles go to your family. I hope your at peace and you contine to watch down on everyone ****[quote]quote[/quote]

When JT started on the Junior Leaders course it was apparent that he was a great leader and great person. Always willing to do the extra jobs and go the extra mile to help people out. I will miss having a true professional to bounce ideas off. I will miss his ready wit and infectious enthusiasm. I will miss a friend who was an inspiration to others and yet so humble. RIP John Dave Turner

We never had the pleasure of meeting John but worked with his father for many years and we both remember seeing his face beam with pride whenever he spoke of John and what he had achieved. Pete, our thoughts are constantly with you and your family at this horrendous time. Tim Barton & Karen Arnold xx

Both of us worked with Pete and remember how proud he was of John. Pete, we are so sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts are with you. Pamela and Mark

I don't really know where to start, i am so so sorry to have heard the tragic news about John, I went to school with John for sometime and i just remember his jokes and all the times he made people laugh when we would feel down. I have not seen John since i moved to Poole but i will always have memorys and remember the cheeky chap that he was. He will be missed by everyone.My thoughts are with the family.R.I.P John.xx

I had the fortune to be one of John's teachers at Ferndown Middle School. John was an endearingly enthusiastic and cheerful member of the tutor group, fully involved in drama both in and outside of school, while he was a mainstay in the Rugby and Cross-Country teams. A thoroughly likeable and determined young man whose progress in life was always received with admiration. RIP and my heartfelt condolences to his family,

I knew John since i first moved to dorset in 98 and was lucky enough to be friends with him both at school and through ATC in ferndown and its hard to meet a nicer bloke. Everyone who met him couldn't help but be moved by his enthusiasm and passion. A born leader who will be missed by many. Always seemed one of those immortal few. Rest In Peace Good Friend,Never To Be Forgotten.

I never got to meet John, but have heard much about him for years through my mum who works with Pete; and my best friend, to whom John meant so very much to her. Regrettably I never got to know him personally and his loss is so very sad and sudden. He is in my prayers. He was a great individual who achieved so much in such a short space of time. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Pete and Lyn, John was a real credit to you both. We are so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We are so so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all. Gary & Jo Uffendell

I cant believe this is real. I knew John at school, he was always so cheerful, so full of life. He always made a room brighter by entering it. I dont think anyone could know him and not think he was special. I will always miss him, your in my thoughts and prayers. ****

From all the Members of the Royal Marines Association Poole and District our sincere thoughts are with the Family at this sad time. The loss of another Member of our Corps is sad enough but one from our area makes it a mor tragic loss for us. Rest in Peace to both John and David

I met John only a few times when my son Jamie and others were attending the Junior Leaders courses. Even then he showed what a truly dedicated,enthusiati c and committed young man he was. A tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. R.I.P John.

I had the very good fortune to have met John (JT) and he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I worked with him at Ferndown Leisure Centre when he used to lifeguard. I will always remember his gentle easy going nature and his smile. I have an 18 year old son wanting to join the RAF. He had my full support, before I read about John. Now I'm not so sure. It comes home to you, when you know someone. My thoughts are with Johns family. I know Linda and Ian and like John they are truly lovely people.

I had the very good fortune to have met John (JT) and he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I worked with him at Ferndown Leisure Centre when he used to lifeguard. I will always remember his gentle easy going nature and his smile. I have an 18 year old son wanting to join the RAF. He had my full support, before I read about John. Now I'm not so sure. It comes home to you, when you know someone. My thoughts are with Johns family. I know Linda and Ian and like John they are truly lovely people.

Thanx Jon for helping me with my singing when i woz younger and i would never be were i am 2day with my singing if it woznt 4 u! u taught me to sing with feeling and that has been the best piece of advice anyone has ever given to me!! U were an amzing person and u will be truly missed for eva and always be in my thoughts!!! Rest in Peace XXX Louise xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.bebo.com/ Profile.jsp?MemberId =6310566574

I am still in shock. its always the good ones that die young. thanks for being a good friend in school and at cadets. your smile even managed to light up a photo, and the parties were always good!! thanks for the memories, they will always live on! take it easy. x

A tragic loss of a wonderful person.

A true hero. You brightened up this world and you will be truly missed!! Thank you JT! xxx

Having known John since First School, then working with him in school productions I have beeen one of the lucky few to have also travelled to Tanzania with him. I can honestly say, he always was and always will be an inspirational person for so many others. Such a sobering thought that such courageous person could be taken so suddenly.

'At the going down of the sun,we WILL remember them'.....

i worked alongside (Mr Thornton) for six months in Iraq, he was well liked by the men under him as well as myself, i was two years out there and lost a good few frinds but this one hit home the hardest, a tragic waste of a young life

From all former Royal Marines at the Royal Marines Association Nottingham. Our Sincere condolences to all Johns family and friends with his loss. We are all deeply saddened to lose yet one more of our of our great Corp Family.

With much admiration to a wonderfully amazing young man whom we never knew.With three sons of my own i cannot express how his family are feeling,only to be so very,very,very proud of their gorgeous and courageous son who is an inspiration to the whole of Bournemouth and the whole of England.With many thoughts to John's Mum and Dad and Family.A mum of Oliver 19,Jack 11 and Billy John 2

John was an amazing person, the life and soul of the party. I went to school with John and have many found memories of him, perhaps one that sticks out the most was when we were in HMS Pinafore together, with me,his aunt, chasing him around the stage with my umbrella! He was such a strong person, a natural leader. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and sincere sympathy go out to all the Thornton family. Rest in Peace JT x

Another brave lad lost in a foreign war. My condolences for his relatives and friends. My best wishes to those who hat to witness the death and carry on doing a dirty job where thanks are few and far between!

To the family of John, I did not know him, but as an ex-wren and someone who is married to a WO2 - my sincerest sympathy and heartfelt thanks for the sacrifice and service that John and his family have made. When I joined up, I will always remember my RM drill instructor saying "there are two types of marine lassie, a Royal Marine and a sub-marine" I remain to this day, completely overwhelmed when I see these boys marching past or to hear Sunset. To John, God Bless you and your family - we are forever in your debt.

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