He adapted to British life but never forgot where he came from or his encounters with the Royal Marines. So strong was the pull that at the age of 28 he has just passed out and can proudly wear the green beret – the fulfilment of a boyhood dream.

Mne Islami said: "As children we saw the marines in Kosovo and I knew I wanted to be one of them. Then I fled and came to the UK. I didn’t have the intention at the time as I was only just a young kid but when I got indefinite leave to stay here and became British I knew I had to.

“I wanted to join up and give something back to the country that helped me so much.”

True to his word, Arben joined the 350-year-old Corps the day after he was granted British citizenship in July 2012.

After 10 weeks of training at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone he got engaged, and decided to change route, becoming a Royal Marines Reservist where he continued his journey to become a commando.

Eighteen months after he first started training, Arben undertook the notoriously difficult Commando Course. Passing a series of gruelling exercises, he then successfully completed the four Commando tests which culminate in a 30 mile speed march across Dartmoor.

Driven on by war torn memories and a strong will to succeed he crossed the finish line having achieved his ultimate goal – he had become a marine.

On being awarded his green beret, the modest bricklayer, said: “I’m very honoured to be part of the Corps, and I just can’t express my happiness enough. I always knew it was going to be a challenge, that I would be pushed to my limits and that is why I wanted to join.

“It is a huge privilege, particularly coming from another country, to join the Royal Marines because they are one of the best forces in the world.”

Mne Islami will now resume his work as a bricklayer and continue to train with the Royal Marines Reserves. He also hopes to deploy with 3 Commando Brigade in the future.