bigjarofwasps

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One of the British Free Corps guys, was awarded the German Wound Badge, if I really he`s the only Englishman to have been awarded a Nazi medal. Slightly off topic, I believe that an RAMC VC winners, was awared the Iron Cross, but this was well before WW2, at around the time of Waterloo if memory serves me well.

As Darth Vader said.. "Impressive" But seriously, thats cracking, something you should be proud of, it must have taken hours!!! & the patience of a saint, I take it you don`t have an children (or little helpers, as they like to call themselves ho,ho,ho). About 12 years ago (when I was single with a lot of time on my hands), I built a full set of Norman chain mail armour, out of spring stell washers, I still have it, and am still proud of it, it took me six months to build, but its a beast. Your spitfire is a thing of beauty, again well done!!!!!!

Here`s a few rules, I`ve put together......... Rules for Combat Medics Basic Rules One medic per squad, only- (if two or more squads are in the same location, a company aid post maybe set up- this will increase the number of casualties that can be treated, by +1 per medic, if a Medical Officer is also present then all casualties can be treated). Medics don’t normal take part in combat, however in dire circumstances, they can hero act rules apply. (Medics maybe come involved in combat to protect themselves or there casualties). Medics must remain with the squad, if the squad is wiped out, the medic will make his way back to the Battalion Aid Station. If a squad/medic is captured by the enemy, he (the medic) will remain on the board, and carry out his duties with the enemy squad- however, the enemy can not arm him and subject him combat operations. Medics can not move round the board independently, unless returning to the CAP, during this period they maybe able to join another squad that doesn’t currently have a medic attached. An unsupported CAP within movement of an enemy unit, during their movement phase is to be considered over run, and thus captured, and will thus resume duties for the enemy, until such time as it is either killed or re captured by the original army. A lone medic will not rout in the face of the enemy, but will become part of that enemy squad (regardless of whether that squad currently has a medic), however, if a squad that the medic is attached to routs, then he will rout to, however, will not be removed from the board, but turn to the CAP). Two medics are required to form a CAP. If no CAP exists medics will rally to the nearest MO, if no MO exists, then the medic will make his way to the nearest command post. If no command post exists, the medic will the movement towards the nearest friend unit, if that squad has a medic, that squad will not gain any additional bonuses. During a combat round, normal dice rolls apply to hit and wound enemy soldiers, however, upon casualties being worked out, if the squad has a medic with them, all casualties may make a saving throw, upon the roll of a six on a D6, that casualty deemed to have been treated by the medic, and thus may remain on the table, otherwise he is deemed to have been killed as normal rules state. (or Medic may only treat one casualty per turn, or if a Medical officer is present then, 3 casualties can be treated?). Under fire medics are covered under the same rules as Officers, heavy weapons, etc, namely, roll a D6, if a 6 is scored, piece is not removed, a rifleman is removed in his place, if no other rifleman exist medic is deemed to have been killed, ditto is a 6 is rolled. Pts Medic 20 pts Medical Officer 100 pts. Advanced casualty rules As above with the additon of.. Wound sight 4. head 3. Torso 2. Arms 1. Legs 4 = dead no saving throw (or 10 on a D10 - no action 1D8 rounds) 3 = 6 on a D6- treated 1 & 2 4,5,6 on a D6 - treated 3 = no action 1D6 rounds 1&2 no action 1D4 rounds

Hi Guys, I`m trying to put a few rules together for the use of medics, during WW2 wargaming battles, has anyone got any ideas, or rules they`d share with me?

Combat Action Badge http://www.army.mil/symbols/combatbadges/Action.html

Has the criteria for the award of the CIB/CMB, been reduced somewhat since WW2. or is it the same. The reason why I ask is, I recently read the book `Under the Gun`, about a National Guard soldier, who deployed on OIF III, during the book he gives an account of day to day life during his deployment. I don`t recall him being involved in any fire fights, he deals with a few grime things granted, but I don`t re call him every claiming to have been under direct fire, just that he was in a war zone, at the end of the tour he is awarded the Combat Medical Badge? I also believe that there is now a new Cobat badge, for personel who are not Infantry or Medics.

Cheers Guys, you`ve both been a great help, thank you.

Bolt Action Miniature...

Private Soldiers: A Year in Iraq with a Wisconsin National Guard Unit by Benjamin Buchholz (Author), Joseph Streeter (Photographer), Nathan Olson (Photographer) Book Description In April 2005 they received the official alert: The Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 2-127th Infantry Battalion was being mobilized. After training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, the 620 soldiers of the Gator Battalion would serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing armed convoy escort and route security throughout all of Iraq, from Umm Qasr in the south to Mosul in the far north. Their mission would take them into the most dangerous regions of Iraq, and during the next year the battalion would withstand hundreds of attacks, see dozens wounded, and lose three members killed in action. Private Soldiers chronicles the 2-127th’s year-long deployment from the unique perspective of the soldiers themselves. Written and photographed by three battalion members, the book provides a rare first-hand account of war and life in Iraq. Fascinating soldier interviews reveal the effects of deployment on the troops and on their families back home, and interviews with Iraqi civilians describe the Iraqis’ perceptions of life, war, and working alongside Wisconsin troops. Brilliant photography illuminates the 2-127th’s year, from training to “boots on the ground” to their return home. And candid photos taken by battalion members capture the soldiers’ day-to-day lives and camaraderie. An extremely timely and relevant account of soldiers’ lives, Private Soldiers honors Wisconsin’s participants in the Iraq war and helps readers understand the war’s human side. All royalties from sales of Private Soldiers will go to the 2-127th’s family support groups and to funds established in memoriam of the battalion members who gave their lives in the Iraq war. About the Author CAPTAIN BENJAMIN BUCHHOLZ was the 2-127th Infantry Battalion’s civil affairs officer during deployment. He works full time for the Wisconsin National Guard as the 2-127th's training officer. A widely published writer of fiction and nonfiction, Ben lives in Brandon, Wisconsin, with his wife, Angie, and sons Wesley and Jack. STAFF SERGEANT JOSEPH STREETER has been a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard for over twelve years. While deployed in Iraq he served as a squad leader in the 2-127th’s C Company. He also works as the system administrator at the Wisconsin Joint Force Headquarters and runs a sports photography business. He lives in Madison. LIEUTENANT NATHAN OLSON has been a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for more than sixteen years. During his time in Iraq he served as a platoon leader in C Company, 2-127th Infantry. He also works for the Wisconsin National Guard as the environmental assessment and reports manager for the state. Nathan and his wife, Ann, own an event and portrait photography business in Columbus, Wisconsin.

Two soldiers from the Catterick-based Queen's Royal Lancers were killed after being caught up in an explosion while on a routine patrol in Maysan Province on 19 April. Three further soldiers were injured - one seriously - in the incident. Corporal Ben Leaning, 24, from S######horpe, known as Bill to his friends, was described by the Ministry of Defence as a "fine soldier and a natural leader" who became a crew commander before going to Iraq last autumn. Trooper Kristen Turton, 27, from Grimsby, who joined The Queen's Royal Lancers in 2003 and became a trained sharp shooter, was described by his commanding officer as an "exceptional soldier". Last Updated: Friday, 20 April 2007, 17:11 GMT 18:11 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version UK soldiers killed in Iraq named Cpl Ben Leaning and Tpr Kristen Turton died while on patrol Two British soldiers killed in south-eastern Iraq have been named as Corporal Ben Leaning and Trooper Kristen Turton. The soldiers, from the Catterick-based Queen's Royal Lancers, were on a routine patrol in Maysan Province when they were caught in an explosion. Cpl Leaning, 24, from S######horpe, and Tpr Turton, 27, from Grimsby, were in a Scimitar tank when the blast happened. Three further soldiers were injured in the incident - one seriously. The injured Scimitar's gunner and two other members of the troop were taken by helicopter to Tallil airbase in Dhi Qar Province for medical treatment. They were patrolling at 1120 local time (0820 BST) on Thursday when the explosion occurred. Cpl Leaning, known as Bill to his friends, joined the Army in 1999 and served in Oman and Kosovo as well as Iraq in 2003. 'Devastated' Described as a "fine soldier and a natural leader", he progressed quickly through the ranks and became a crew commander and a signals instructor before going to Iraq last autumn. In a statement, his family said they were "devastated by the loss" and described Cpl Leaning as "a loving son and great friend". Major Charlie Ball, of The Queen's Royal Lancers, said Cpl Leaning had a "huge sense of fun". "His mischievous smile shone through even under the most trying circumstances and he was an inspiration to his crew and the squadron as a whole," he said. Tpr Turton joined The Queen's Royal Lancers in 2003 and became a trained sharp-shooter and specialised in demolitions. His wife Sharon, whom he married in 2004, described him as the "most amazing person" she had ever met. "I am proud he has died doing something he loved so much," she said. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Nixon-Eckersall, said he was an "exceptional soldier". "Selfless and committed he strived for perfection in everything he did," he added. Handover Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne said his thoughts were with the families of the two men. He added: "These young men died serving our country and helping to bring peace to Iraq. They will be deeply missed." The two soldiers were killed a day after Iraqi authorities took over control of security enforcement in Maysan Province where their regiment is currently nearing the end of a six-month tour. British forces withdrew from a permanent base in Maysan last August, but have continued to work at improving border security in the province. The two deaths bring the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 144.

RAF Sergeant Mark McLaren, 27, from Northumberland, was said by his commanding officer to be a "consummate" professional by his commanding officer. Defence Secretary Des Browne said initial reports suggested the crash on 15 April was an accident and not caused by an insurgent attack. Iraq air crash serviceman named Sgt McLaren was a master of his trade, colleagues said A British serviceman killed after a mid-air crash between two UK helicopters in Iraq has been named as Royal Air Force Sergeant Mark McLaren. The 27-year-old, from Northumberland, was described as a "consummate" professional by his commanding officer, Wing Commander Chris Hunter. Sgt McLaren died with Colour Sergeant Mark Powell, of the Parachute regiment, on Sunday. Defence Secretary Des Browne said reports suggested it was an accident. Father-of-two Sgt McLaren, was described as having had a "bright future" ahead of him. 'Positive attitude' He had previously graduated from the Air Loadmaster Specialist Training Course at RAF Shawbury. Wing Cdr Hunter, Officer Commanding 230 Squadron RAF Aldergrove, described Sgt McLaren as someone who "loved life" and who was a caring husband and father of two sons. He said: "Sgt McLaren had a positive attitude towards everything he did and a level of self-motivation that was second to none. "As an Air Loadmaster he was the master of his trade, a consummate professional and committed team player. "When flying on operations in either the UK or Iraq he always performed at the top of his game and it was a pleasure to fly with him when you were crewed up together."

Two military personnel were killed when two Puma helicopters crashed in an apparent mid-air collision in a rural area near Taji, north of Baghdad. One has been named as Colour Sergeant Mark Powell, 37, of the Parachute Regiment, described by the Ministry of Defence as "an exemplary soldier, father, husband, friend and Briton". The other, an RAF airman, has not been named yet. Defence Secretary Des Browne said initial reports suggested the crash on 15 April was an accident and not caused by an insurgent attack. One of the servicemen who died when two helicopters crashed in Iraq on Sunday has been named as Colour Sergeant Mark Powell of the Parachute Regiment. The family of the other man who died in the crash, an RAF airman, has asked for more time before his name is released. The Ministry of Defence said Colour Sergeant Powell, 37, originally from south Wales, was "an exemplary soldier, father, husband, friend and Briton". He lived in Hereford with his architect wife and their six-month-old baby. Colour Sergeant Powell, a keen surfer, joined the Parachute Regiment in 1990. His friends in Porthcawl, where he grew up, described him as "an awesome, unassuming, lovely bloke". Simon Tucker, who runs the local surf academy, added that his death had come as "a shock to everyone". In a statement the Ministry of Defence said: "Colour Sergeant Mark Powell was an exemplary combat leader, soldier, father, husband, friend and Briton; dedicated to his family, his men, his mission and his country. "In the finest traditions of the Army and his regiment - he was utterly selfless, never shirking danger, effort or hard service in the pursuit of his mission. "His loss is tragic, and keenly felt by all but his example to others will be sure to endure and inspire us all for years to come. Our thoughts now are with his family and his comrades." Both of the Puma helicopters involved in the crash were from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. Defence Secretary Des Browne said on Sunday that reports suggested the crash, north of Baghdad, was an accident.

In addition can anyone tell me what the eqivilant rank in the US Army during WW2 would, be for a British RAMC Lance Corporal. Where US medics classed as Technicians?

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 142 after the death of two military personnel in an apparent mid-air collision between two UK helicopters. Of those who died, 108 are classed as having been killed after hostile action, while 34 have died from illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or the cause of their death is still unknown. Two military personnel were killed when two Puma helicopters crashed in an apparent mid-air collision in a rural area near Taji, north of Baghdad. Defence Secretary Des Browne said initial reports suggested the crash on 15 April was an accident and not caused by an insurgent attack. Two die as UK helicopters crash Pumas are used for transporting troops and equipment Two British helicopters have crashed in Iraq, killing two military personnel and seriously injuring another. The Ministry of Defence said both of the Puma helicopters were from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. Defence Secretary Des Browne said one of those killed was from the RAF and the other from the Army. Four other personnel were injured, one seriously. Speaking outside the MoD, he said reports suggested the crash, north of Baghdad, was an accident. "There will of course be an investigation into the precise cause of this incident, but I should stress that Puma helicopters have a very good safety record," he said. Wounded discharged The Puma helicopters came down in the early hours of Sunday in a rural area near Taji, site of a large US base. US forces had secured the crash site, Mr Browne said. Two of the four injured had already been discharged and had returned to their units. The other two injured remain in a US military hospital - one remains in a "very serious" condition. Mr Browne said: "Back here in the UK our focus is of course in supporting the families of those killed or injured in this incident. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time." The BBC understands the helicopters had been taking part in a special forces mission. Initial reports indicate that the crash was an accident and was not a result of an attack by insurgents Defence Secretary Des Browne Puma helicopters Puma helicopters - mainly used to transport troops and equipment - are normally flown by the RAF. However a Ministry of Defence spokesman would not confirm which regiment the dead personnel belonged to. Earlier reports had incorrectly identified the crashed helicopters as American. Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was a "terrible time" for the families of the two UK service personnel who had died, but insisted British foreign policy was "justified and right". Retired Wing Commander Andrew Brooks told BBC News 24 that Pumas had been in service for around 30 years and were getting elderly. The military had to use them in Iraq, he said, because the roads were not safe. Further fighting The two deaths bring the total number of British fatalities since the 2003 invasion of Iraq to 142. Meanwhile, British troops have been involved in more fighting with a Shia militia group in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. Five gunmen from the Mehdi army militia are thought to have been killed in an exchange of fire. It follows an incident on Friday night when British forces killed eight members of the militia as they were apparently laying mines. The incident was in the same area where a British Warrior armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb eleven days ago, killing four troops and their Iraqi interpreter.

Hi Guys, Can anyone tell me whether these are the style of PFC stripes that would have been worn by the 101st Airborne during WW2, on their jump suit jackets? Gordon.

Cheers Paul, I did try Ebay, but could find anything. I wonder whilst I`ve got your attention. Can you confirm for me what size in MM, my 1/72 soldiers should be. I`ve tried looking on the net, and have found anything from 20 to 25 mm? Any tips for a beginner?

Hi Guys, I`m trying to find some miniatures in 1:72 scale, of German medical personal. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Cheers, Gordon.

Medical Corps Private Eleanor Dlugosz, 19 , from Southampton, was mourned yesterday as a caring girl devoted to helping others before herself. Private Dlugosz, known as Ella or DZ to her comrades, was providing medical support to the patrol. Her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Martin Toney, said: "DZ was one of those soldiers who, despite a degree of shyness and a natural reticence, always surprised with her guts and determination." The other soldiers who died were named as Corporal Kris O'Neill, 27, from the Royal Army Medical Corps, and Kingsman Adam Smith, 19. A Kuwaiti interpreter was also killed in the blast, which left a fifth British soldier seriously wounded. Pte Dlugosz was based in Catterick in Yorkshire, but grew up in Southampton. Her friend and colleague, Pte Stella Lee, said: "Ella was a caring girl who enjoyed being a medic. Helping others before herself was who she was. She brightened up everybody's day with her cheesy smile. She was a privilege to work with and know and she will always be in our hearts." Kingsman Adam James Smith, from the Isle of Man, was serving with the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and had been in Basra since November. Comrades described him as dependable, cheerful and courageous. He entered the Army in 2004 and joined the reconnaissance platoon of the regiment's 2nd Battalion last year. Medical Corps Corporal Kris O'Neill, was a father of two who had been in Basra only since January. The 27-year-old lived in Catterick with his wife, Tina and three-year-old twins Adam and Conner and was described as a devoted family man. His friend and colleague Cpl Martin Blaker-Hood said: "Kris was pleasant, hard-working and very well respected. He loved his family and was a really good bloke. His death is a big loss." Colonel Toney said: "Cpl O'Neill was a reflective and utterly dependable soldier who used his maturity and common sense to great effect, becoming the squadron's 'safe pair of hands'. "He would turn his hand to all sorts of things, including helping to rebuild Iraq by training the police service, and was a key player in the unit. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his wife and children, at this hugely difficult time."

Four British soldiers were killed by a roadside explosion near Basra on 5 April. They were named as: Second Lieutenant Joanna Yorke Dyer from the Intelligence Corps attached to the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment; Corporal Kris O'Neill and Private Eleanor Dlugosz from the Royal Army Medical Corps; and Kingsman Adam James Smith from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. A civilian translator also died in the bomb blast, which targeted a Warrior patrol. A fifth soldier was "very seriously injured". Tributes have been paid by families and colleagues of four British soldiers killed by a roadside bomb near Basra, southern Iraq. The blast targeted the vehicle of 2nd Lt Joanna Yorke Dyer, Cpl Kris O'Neill, Pte Eleanor Dlugosz and Kingsman Adam James Smith. A civilian Kuwaiti translator was also killed in the blast, while a fifth soldier was "very seriously injured". The injured soldier is being treated in the military hospital in Basra. Second Lt Yorke Dyer was from the Intelligence Corps attached to the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Kingsman Smith was from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. Cpl O'Neill and Pte Dlugosz were both from the Royal Army Medical Corps. According to the MoD, the incident happened in the early hours of Thursday as the troops returned from patrol duty. Their vehicle first came under attack near the centre of Basra and continued on its way. However, on a stretch of highway in the Hayaniyah district on the north-western outskirts of Basra it was hit by a massive bomb explosion which wrecked the vehicle and left a three-foot crater. The soldiers were all on patrol in a Warrior armoured vehicle when they died. This latest incident brings the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 140. Four British servicewomen have now died in action in Iraq, while the death of a fifth was not thought to be combat-related.

Four British soldiers were killed by a roadside explosion near Basra on 5 April. A civilian translator is also reported to have been killed in the bomb blast, which targeted a Warrior patrol. A fifth soldier was also "very seriously injured" in the incident. Four British soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb near Basra, southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. A civilian translator was also killed in the bomb blast, which targeted a patrol in a Warrior armoured vehicle. A fifth soldier was also "very seriously injured" and is being treated in the military hospital in Basra. This latest incident brings the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 140. The MoD said next of kin were being informed and no further details would be released until that process was complete. Continuing attacks According to the MoD, the incident happened in the early hours of Thursday. The Warrior armoured personnel carrier first came under attack near the centre of town and continued on its way. However, on a stretch of highway in the Hayaniyah district on the north-western outskirts of Basra it was hit by a massive bomb explosion which wrecked the vehicle and left a huge crater. The soldiers were all inside the vehicle when they died. After the bomb explosion British forces in the area came under attack from small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, and they fired back. Iraqi police said the British forces attacked a nearby police checkpoint and detained and disarmed those manning it. The BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad said the area where the incidents took place is believed to be a hotbed of support for the radical Shi'ite militia lead by the cleric Moqtada Sadr. Prime Minister Tony Blair contrasted the safe return of 15 British sailors and marines held captive in Iran with the soldiers' deaths. He said: "Just as we rejoice at the return of our 15 personnel, so today we also grieve and mourn for the loss of our soldiers in Basra who were killed as a result of a terrorist act." Defence secretary Des Browne said his thoughts were with the families of the deceased. He added that their deaths were a sobering reminder of the "difficult job that we ask our people to do in Iraq and elsewhere, and how well and how bravely they carry this out". Further deaths Two other British soldiers were also killed in Iraq this week, also while on patrol in the Basra area. The bodies of 18-year-old Rifleman Aaron Lincoln, from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, and Kingsman Danny Wilson, 28, from Chindit Company, 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, have been flown back to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. Kingsman Wilson, from Workington, Cumbria, was fatally wounded while on patrol in the al-Ashar district of Basra on 1 April. He leaves behind a wife and son. Rifleman Aaron Lincoln, from Durham, was shot in the same area the following day. Of those soldiers who have died in Iraq, 108 are classed as having been killed after hostile action, while 32 have died from illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or the cause of their death is still unknown. Meanwhile, eyewitness reports say a US helicopter has come down in Iraq after apparently coming under heavy fire from insurgents. The reports say the helicopter came under attack near Latifiya, 40km (25 miles) south of the capital, Baghdad. No information is currently available on any casualties and the US military says it is investigating.

They don`t make `em like this any more.........

Rifleman Aaron Lincoln, from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, died on 2 April after he was wounded by small arms fire during a routine patrol in Basra in southern Iraq. The Ministry of Defence said the serviceman was injured in the al-Ashar district. He was taken to Basra Palace for treatment before being flown by helicopter to a field hospital at Basra Air Station but died later of his injuries. UK soldier dies after Iraq patrol A British soldier has died after being wounded during a routine patrol in southern Iraq. The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, was injured in the al-Asher district of Basra at about 1400 BST. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said his family had been informed. His name is expected to be released on Tuesday. A second serviceman was also wounded in the incident, which came a day after another UK soldier died following an attack on his patrol in the same area. The MoD said the serviceman in Monday's incident was taken to Basra Palace for treatment, before being flown by helicopter to a field hospital at Basra Air Station. Major David Gell, British military spokesman in Basra, said the second wounded soldier was expected to make a full recovery.

A British soldier died on 2 April after he was wounded during a routine patrol in Basra in southern Iraq. The Ministry of Defence said the serviceman, who has not been named yet, was injured in the al-Ashar district. He was taken to Basra Palace for treatment before being flown by helicopter to a field hospital at Basra Air Station.

Kingsman Danny Wilson, from Chindit Company, 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died on 1 April after being wounded while on patrol in the al-Ashar area of Basra. Kingsman Wilson, from Workington, Cumbria, was wounded as he checked the roadside ahead for explosive devices. He leaves behind a wife and son. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon MBE, said: "Selfless, committed and always ready to look on the bright side, he will be sorely missed." Soldier dies after Iraq shooting A British soldier has died after being wounded in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The soldier, from Chindit Company, 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, had been injured while on patrol in the al-Ashar area of Basra. An MoD spokeswoman said the soldier died as a result of gunshot wounds. The soldier's family has been informed. The number of British troops killed so far in operations in Iraq has now risen to 135. Evacuated Major David Gell, military spokesman in Basra, said: "We can confirm that a British soldier was shot while on patrol. "He was evacuated to Basra Palace, but subsequently died of his injuries. "He would have been stabilised by a team medic and evacuated straight away, but unfortunately the injuries the soldier sustained were not survivable. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." Private Johnathon Wysoczan, 21, from The Staffordshire Regiment, was the last to die on 4 March after being critically injured on patrol in Basra. In February the government said troop numbers would be cut from 7,100 to 5,500 this year.