Op Telic Casualties & Fatalities

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British soldier killed near Basra

British troops had been sent out to arrest insurgency suspects

A British soldier from the 1st Battalion Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry has died following a clash north of the city of Basra, Iraq.

The soldier was one of two wounded during a firefight on Saturday between British troops and "suspected terrorists", said a military spokesman.

Two suspects were held during the operation, which took place in the Garmat Ali tribal area, north of Basra.

The death brings the total of British dead there to 114.

There are currently some 8,000 British troops stationed in southern Iraq.

Defence Secretary Des Browne described the death of the soldier as "terribly sad".

He said: "I would like to offer my deepest condolences to their family and friends.

"I wish the soldier who was injured a speedy recovery and pay tribute to the bravery of both troops."

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LONDON (Reuters) - A British soldier killed during the capture of the leader of the Shi'ite Mehdi army in southern Basra province at the weekend was named by the Ministry of Defence on Monday as Corporal John Johnston Cosby.

The 28-year-old of the 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry died during a major operation on Sunday which involved hundreds of British troops.

During the course of the operation, the troops came under fire and two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds including Cosby who died later in hospital.

"Corporal Cosby and his team were part of the isolation force of a major arrest operation," Cosby's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Toffer Beattie said in a statement.

"Following the operation a terrorist who has masterminded many lethal attacks on multinational forces was detained and a detailed search of the premises was under way.

"It was at this point that a number of gunmen ambushed Corporal Cosby's team."

The wanted man was named by comrades in the Shi'ite group as Sajad Abu Aya.

"From initial reports, it is abundantly clear that John was doing his job superbly," the MoD statement said. "He was leading from the front, he was putting the success of the mission and the safety of his men before his own, just as we would have expected from such a well loved and respected soldier."

Cosby was born in Belfast and was not married.

His mother Jean praised her son as a great and loving family man who would be missed by all.

[bigjarofwasps]

Corporal John Cosby killed in Iraq

17 Jul 06

It is with immense sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal John Johnston Cosby in Iraq on Sunday 16 July 2006.

Corporal John Cosby

Corporal Cosby, 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (1DDLI), died as a result of gunshot wounds following an operation by British Forces to apprehend a key terrorist leader and accomplice in a suburb of North Basra. During the course of the operation British military personnel came under small arms fire and two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. Sadly, Corporal Cosby subsequently died as a result of his injuries.

Corporal John Cosby was born in Belfast on 12 April 1978 and lived there until he was seven years old. His family moved to Exeter in 1985 where he spent his early years before joining 1DDLI in 1998.

He started his military career as a rifleman in an Armoured Infantry platoon in Warminster before moving to London with the Battalion for ceremonial duties. During this time he served on a six month tour of South Armagh after which he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

When the Battalion was posted to Ballykinler, Northern Ireland, Corporal Cosby was selected from the top soldiers in the Battalion to attempt selection for the Close Observation Platoon (COP). He passed the course with flying colours and went on to spend two years as second in command of a four man team on operations in the Province. He excelled in this role and it soon became obvious that he was ready to attend the Section Commanders’ Battle Course in order to earn promotion to full Corporal. A capable and natural junior commander, he gained a rare Instructor’s Grade Pass; a great accolade, as anybody who has done this exceptionally demanding course will know. On return to the Battalion he joined the Reconnaissance Platoon, a post reserved for the top percentage of infantry soldiers, this time achieving a Distinction on his gunnery course.

Whilst in Iraq, Corporal Cosby’s experience, enthusiasm and style made him an obvious choice to be a team commander in the Brigade Surveillance Company. He excelled on the second gruelling Covert Surveillance Course and became well respected by instructors, superiors and subordinates alike. Over recent months he showed uncompromising professionalism in all aspects of his work, rising naturally to the challenges that the demanding operational theatre poses. 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, based in Catterick, North Yorkshire, is currently three months into a six-and-a-half month tour of Iraq as part of 20th Armoured Brigade.

Corporal Cosby, known as George to his friends, was held in great affection by all who worked with him and those that knew him. He had a relaxed confidence and a manner that was immediately appealing. ‘Mateship’ was important to him and the value in which he held his friends was reciprocated with equal strength. He valued the responsibility he felt for his peers and his subordinates more than his own well-being. Early on in the tour he said to a fellow team commander, "as long as my team goes home safely and my friends go home safely, my job is done".

John was very compassionate and there was something infectious in him that people couldn’t help but like: his determination, his awkward sitting style, his scruffy appearance, his inability to tan even in the desert, his honesty, his lack of sporting prowess, the constantly burning cigarette, the regular mickey-taking of himself and others, his sharp, intelligent wit, his professionalism and his generosity.

"John’s sense of humour was perhaps his most memorable characteristic. His Northern Irish wit meant that a clever observation or delightfully unexpected turn of phrase was never far below the surface. He always saw the lighter side of a situation; he instinctively understood that humour is a force multiplier."

Lieutenant Colonel Toffer Beattie

Cpl Cosby's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Toffer Beattie, said:

"It is with the deepest regret that I have to announce the death of Corporal John Cosby. He died this morning, 16 July 2006, as a result of gunshot wounds received as he and his team were engaged by militia gunmen during an operation in Basra City.

"Corporal Cosby and his team were part of the isolation force of a major arrest operation. Following the operation a terrorist who has masterminded many lethal attacks on Multi National Forces was detained and a detailed search of the premises was underway.

"It was at this point that a number of gunmen ambushed Corporal Cosby’s team. In the ensuing fire fight Corporal Cosby was fatally wounded. He was evacuated by helicopter but died soon after reaching the Field Hospital.

"Corporal Cosby, known to all as George (or more commonly as ‘Gorgeous’ George), was a monumental Battalion personality. An Ulsterman in a West Country Regiment he was always going to stand out, but he did so for all the right reasons. First and foremost he was an infantry Junior Non-Commissioned Officer in the finest tradition.

"A long term member of the Reconnaissance Platoon he was tough, determined and a talented low-level tactician. He was no spring chicken but pure willpower and an absolute commitment meant he kept up with the very best.

"John’s sense of humour was perhaps his most memorable characteristic. His Northern Irish wit meant that a clever observation or delightfully unexpected turn of phrase was never far below the surface. He always saw the lighter side of a situation; he instinctively understood that humour is a force multiplier.

"In Iraq Corporal Cosby was a Team Commander with the Brigade Surveillance Company. Hand selected for the task, put through the most demanding selection and trained in specialist techniques, his Company have consistently been in the vanguard of the most important operations so far this deployment.

"It was on such an operation that he was fatally wounded. From initial reports, it is abundantly clear that John was doing his job superbly. He was leading from the front, he was putting the success of the mission and the safety of his men before his own, just as we would have expected from such a well loved and respected soldier.

"John was unmarried. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, particularly his mother and sister to whom he was very close. He will be sorely missed by the Battalion and the wider Regimental family."

Corporal Cosby’s mother Jean has issued the following statement on behalf of his family:

"Johnston was a great and loving family man. He was an amazing son, brother, uncle and nephew. His sense of humour and bubbly personality will be missed by all of his family and everyone who knew him. His memory will live in all our hearts forever."

The family have asked that its privacy be respected at this tragic and difficult time.

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Corporal Matthew Cornish, 29, from Yorkshire, was serving with the 1st Battalion The Light Infantry. He was married with two young children.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5234926.stm

Edited August 2, 2006 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

Romanian Military Police Corporal on duty was killed with 3 Italian comrades by a bomb in a car driven into his convoy, I attach details from a Romanian Online Newspaper:

"One Romanian, three Italian soldiers killed in Iraq".

The soldiers were killed during a patrol mission near An Nassyria yesterday morning. The Romanian and Italian authorities, the Pope expressed deep regrets and condemned the terrorist attack.

published in issue 3668 page 1 at 2006-04-28.

Corporal Bogdan Hancu (28, photo) from Iasi, from a family of professional soldiers, was in Iraq with the Military Police Detachment deployed to Camp Mittica.

The armoured vehicle in which the soldiers were patrolling was attacked by Iraqi rebels around 8:00 AM. A trap vehicle was driven straight into the patrol car killing the Romanian and three Italians. The joint Romanian-Italian convoy formed of four army vehicles was just starting a patrol mission that was eventually fatal. Onboard the vehicles there were one Italian officer, 15 Carabinieri and one Romanian – Bogdan Hancu. The military convoy was driving to the Provincial Joint Operation Centre – the integrated operative venue of the security forces serving the province – where the victims of the attack were supposed to carry out their regular service of ground control in coordination with the local security forces. The attack is being investigated by an Italian-Romanian commission.

Romanian soldier repatriated last night.

The body of the Romanian soldier was expected to be flown to Bucharest last evening. Bogdan Hancu will be entombed with military honours most likely on Saturday. The Mayor of Iasi has announced that the municipality would assist the family with money and with a grave.

Condolences

President Traian Basescu voiced his deep regret for the loss suffered by the family of Corporal Bogdan Hancu.

“Through the courage to be a member of the Romanian troops that maintain peace in the hot areas of the world, Corporal Bogdan Hancu ranges among the Romanian heroes who put their lives at risk day after day, taking action there where terrorism represents a daily reality,” said the President, quoted by a press release of the Presidential Administration.

Premier Calin Popescu Tariceanu and the Government in their turned deplored the terrorist attack. “Premier Calin Popescu Tariceanu and the Executive express their deepest condolences and their solidarity with the family of the dead Romanian military,” reads a news release issued by the Government. The Minister of Foreign Affairs extended “his sincerest condolences and solidarity to the family of the Romanian soldier”. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) also expressed regret over the loss of the Romanian soldier and conveyed condolences to his family.

American and British Ambassadors Nicholas F. Taubman and Quinton Quayle also expressed their regret for the victims of the attack, and conveyed condolences to the Romanian soldier’s family. The American diplomat expresses in a news release his gratefulness that “America has such a brave and trustworthy ally as Romania in the war on terror.” In turn, Quinton Quayle stated that he was impressed with the courage and determination proven by the Romanian troops stationed in Iraq.

The President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and current PM Silvio Berlusconi expressed their consternation and immense grief. Ciampi called upon the competent authorities to keep him informed of any developments and on the details of the attack. Recently elected Head of the Italian Government Romano Prodi in his turn pointed out that “the tragedy is affecting the entire Italy.”

Bogdan Hancu, promoted post-mortem

The Ministry of National Defence leadership expresses its regret for the death of Caporal Bogdan Hancu and stands by the mourning family, reads a communiqu?. Through the order of the National Defence Minister, the caporal was promoted to the rank of Junior Lieutenant post-mortem. The Ministry will take all the necessary measures to support Bogdan Hancu’s family during such hard moments. The Ministry of National Defence also expresses its regret for the human losses suffered by the Italian partners.

Corporal Bogdan Hancu is the second Romanian soldier to have died in Iraq, but the first one to die on a mission. On March 25, 2006, soldier Lili Dobre (engaged under a contract) from Battalion 280 Focsani, shot himself.

Romania has deployed to the An Nassyria region a battalion of infantry - Battalion 280 Focsani – and a military police detachment. They are all accommodated at the Camp Mittica base under Italian command.

Italy will pull out from Iraq until the end of this year. The decision has been made by Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi under the pressure of the public. Romania has not made any plans or decision about such an eventuality so far, President Basescu having repeatedly stated that the Romanian troops would stay in Iraq as long as it is deemed necessary.

Confusion

The family of the soldier was announced by the representatives of the Defence Ministry soon after the attack. According to the Press Bureau of the Ministry, the person who was announced was the Corporal’s father, Marcel Hancu. Subsequently, the media announced this name. But, a news report signed Mediafax reads the opposite, namely that the family of the soldier had learned about his death from the press.

”We realised what happened when we saw the media at our door. It was around 11 O’clock, and nobody from the unit had called to tell us. When my wife learnt the news she fainted. We knew the risks of the profession of our soldier, but we had never thought that such a thing could happen to Bogdan,” has allegedly said the father of the killed soldier to Mediafax correspondent.

The Ministry denied this information, stressing that probably the mother of the Corporal had not been announced about the death of her son before learning it from the media, but the father had been announced before the information was transmitted to the press.

Corporal Bogdan Hancu comes from a family with military tradition. Both parents, Marcel and Carmen Hancu, had been officers, switched in reserve with the rank of colonel, and Lt. Colonel. “We have not encouraged him to follow a military career. It was his decision. He had the rank of corporal and he wanted to be upgraded. A mission abroad would have facilitated his promotion. He left to Iraq in January, and had to return in July,” said Carmen Hancu. Bogdan Hancu had married Ionela, an accountant, last November, and they planned to have a baby after his return from the mission. The two were living together with Bogdan’s grandmother, in a flat obtained subject to a real estate loan. Hancu family wants to bury Bogdan in the cemetery “Sfintii Petru si Pavel” from Iasi, in the lot reserved for the soldiers fallen in the line of duty.

Pope condemns Iraq attack

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday expressed “profound grief” over the bomb attack in Iraq which killed three Italians and one Romanian soldier. In a letter of condolence to Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini, the pope paid tribute to the Italian contingent’s “generous and unselfish contribution” to peace and freedom in Iraq. The letter was signed by the Vatican “foreign minister” Monsignor Giovanni Lajolo who said earlier, in an interview with Vatican Radio, that that the Iraq attack and the recent bombings in Dabab, Egypt, were “acts of cruel barbarity”.

by Rodica Pricop.

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 117 after the death of two soldiers in a roadside attack near Basra on 4 September 2006.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Two UK soldiers died after a patrol was targeted by a roadside bomb and small arms fire about nine miles (15km) north of Basra, close to the town of Ad Dayr on 4 September.

[bigjarofwasps]

Gunner Stephen Wright and Gunner Samuela Vanua died in a roadside explosion near Ad Dayr, north of Basra, on 4 September. Both were members of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Gunner Wright, 20, from Leyland in Lancashire, had joined the Army aged 16 after four years as a cadet.

His commanding officer said Gunner Wright had "very much come of age in Iraq".

Lt Col Jon Campbell said: "I was struck by Gunner Wright's confidence, growing maturity and belief in himself."

Col Campbell said he got to know Gunner Vanua, a 27-year-old Fijian, in July when they had been on patrol together.

"I was impressed by his excellent attitude, infectious cheerfulness, conduct and confidence," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5319350.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5317032.stm

Edited September 6, 2006 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

UK soldier dies in Iraq shooting

A British soldier has died after a shooting in the Iraqi town of Al-Qurna, north of Basra, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The incident happened on Tuesday, but the soldier, whose name has not been released, died on Thursday.

He served in 58 Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery - the same unit that lost two soldiers on Monday.

The ministry said added that no further details would be released until the family's wishes had been established.

"His injuries were so serious that, despite the best treatment available, the medical team involved were unable to save him," the ministry said in a statement.

The soldier was the 118th member of the British armed forces to die while serving in Iraq since the conflict began in March 2003.

He had been taken to Germany for treatment, where his regiment is normally based.

It is part of the Danish-led Basra rural north battle group.

Two of his colleagues were killed by a roadside bomb on Monday.

Gunner Stephen Wright and Gunner Samuela Vanua, both members of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, were killed in an explosion near Ad Dayr, north of Basra, on 4 September.

A total of 22 members of the British armed forces have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of September; 19 in the latter and three in the former.

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Gunner Lee Thornton died on 7 September from injuries sustained in a shooting two days earlier at Al-Qurna, north of Basra. He was transferred to a military hospital in Germany but his injuries were too severe to survive, the Ministry of Defence said.

He was serving with 58 Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5326874.stm

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Lance Corporal Dennis Brady was hit in an "indirect fire attack" at the Shatt Al-Arab Hotel after mortars landed inside the UK base in Basra, southern Iraq, on 1 October.

The 37-year-old, from Cumbria, was a regular reservist from the Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to the 1st Battalion of the Light Infantry.

L/Cpl Brady grew up in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, where he lived with his wife, Zoe.

He left the regular Army in 2004 and worked as a firefighter before volunteering to return to the military as a reservist.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Johnny Bowron, said: "His loss will be keenly felt, and the battalion has lost a trusted member and a real friend."

SOLDIER Dennis Brady’s mum received birthday flowers from her son in Iraq the day before learning of his death.

And the Lance Corporal was just two weeks from coming home to Barrow when he was killed in a mortar attack.

LANCE Corporal Den Brady’s wife is today mourning a man she says “died a hero.”

Zoe Brady, 30, of Barrow, has been married to the 37-year-old Army medic for six years but they have been separated for some time.

They have no children.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Mail, she said: “Den lived life to the full. He put 100 per cent into everything he did.

“His death will leave huge voids with every body who loved him.

“Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

“He died a hero.”

British soldier killed in Basra

A British soldier has been killed and another injured during an attack at a UK base in Basra, southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The two soldiers were said to have been hit in an "indirect fire attack" at the Shatt Al-Arab Hotel after mortars landed inside the base perimeter.

The dead soldier was from the Royal Army Medical Corps. The soldiers' names have not yet been released by the MoD.

The death on Sunday brings the British death toll in Iraq to 119.

A British military spokesman in Basra about 15 mortars were fired at the base, with three or four landing inside the perimeter.

The soldiers were taken to hospital, where one later died. The other suffered a broken arm, the spokesman said.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceN...illedInIraq.htm

[bigjarofwasps]

Hero soldier's body flies home

Published on 07/10/2006

THE body of the Furness soldier killed during a bomb attack in Iraq is set to be flown home tomorrow a week after he died.

Lance Corporal Den Brady’s mother Brenda, of Vulcan Road, Barrow, is expected to travel to RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire, to be there when her son arrives.

No date for the 37-year-old’s funeral has been set.

Ministry of Defence spokeswoman, Penny Veal, said she was unsure if the family had decided on a full military tribute.

More information is due to be released on Monday.

L Cpl Brady, a reservist medic, was killed by mortar rounds fired at the base his unit were trying to protect on October 1.

Funeral honour

Published on 11/10/2006

A FULL military funeral is set to take place next week to honour the Furness soldier killed in an Iraqi blast.

Lance Corporal Den Brady lost his life 10 days ago when his compound in northern Basra was hit by a barrage of mortars. The 37-year-old later died in hospital.

It is expected that local dignitaries and representatives from L Cpl’s Brady’s regiment will join relatives in paying their respects.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that at the moment a full military funeral was set to take place next Tuesday at midday in Barrow.

They added that they were not releasing any further details at this time as arrangements were still being made.

Guard of honour for hero soldier

Published on 14/10/2006

A GUARD of honour will escort a hero soldier and The Last Post will sound as he is laid to rest on Tuesday.

Lance Corporal Den Brady lost his life in a mortar attack on his base in northern Basra on October 1.

His body was flown back from Iraq last Sunday to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

An army spokesman confirmed that the 37-year-old, of Vulcan Road, Barrow, would be buried with full military honours, and the service will begin at midday at St George’s Church, The Strand, Barrow.

The L/Cpl’s coffin will be draped in a Union Flag and have three soldier bearers on each side, with another walking behind.

As L/Cpl Brady was an army medical reservist he was not attached to any regiment but members of the 5 General Support Medical Regiment based at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, will form the bearer party.

At 12.45pm, approximately, the funeral party will move to Barrow Cemetery, Thorncliffe Road, where L/Cpl Brady will be buried.

Edited October 22, 2006 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

Lieutenant Tom Tanswel, 27, of 58 Battery 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in a road accident just outside Shaibah Logistics Base near the city of Basra, southern Iraq, on 27 October 2006.

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 120 after a soldier died following a road accident just outside Shaibah Logistics Base near the city of Basra on 27 October 2006.

Lieutenant Tom Tanswell, 27, of 58 Battery 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in a road accident just outside Shaibah Logistics Base near the city of Basra, southern Iraq, on 27 October 2006.

The Londoner joined the Army in 2004 after gaining a degree in management and marketing from the University of Manchester, and working as the area manager for a major supermarket group.

In Iraq, he was a multiple commander, responsible for 12 men, manning three vehicles. The MoD said he often escorted Danish Military Police and reconstruction teams and was well-liked by his peers.

His commanding officer in Iraq, Major Marcus Tivey, said: "He was leading from the front when he was killed, which typified the way he conducted himself.

"Prior to deploying to Iraq Tom had been praised by his superiors on numerous exercises, and while on operations he had made his mark as a rising star."

Edited November 14, 2006 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

Iraq death soldier named by MoD

Kingsman Hancock came under fire while on sentry duty

A British soldier who died after an attack on a base in southern Iraq has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Kingsman Jamie Hancock, of the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, came under small arms fire on Monday while on sentry duty in Basra City.

The 19-year-old, who lived near Wigan Lancashire, with his soldier brother, was deployed to Iraq on 21 October.

The number of British troops killed in operations in Iraq is now 121. Of these, 91 died after hostile action.

On joining the army, Kingsman Hancock served as a rifleman involved in training to prepare other units for operations in Iraq.

He volunteered for a six-month tour of the country as part of Catterick-based 19 Light Brigade, later amalgamated into The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

'Fearless spirit'

Kingsman Hancock's company commander, Major Chris Job, described him as an "energetic and enthusiastic individual who lived for the Army and had a very promising career ahead of him".

"His enthusiasm was boundless and the fearless spirit with which he lived was amply demonstrated by his decision to volunteer for this Iraq tour," he said.

"He was a magnet for his peers, who were drawn by his infectious sense of fun and all-embracing nature."

In a statement, Kingsman Hancock's family said: "We are deeply shocked at the loss of our much-loved son.

"We are and always will be very proud of him and all that he achieved."

The MoD said there were no other casualties after the incident, which took place around 1200 local time at the Old State Building, a coalition forces base in central Basra City.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said he was "deeply saddened" by the death.

Mr Browne said: "His family, friends and comrades as ever have my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

"Our brave forces are striving to build a better future for the people of Iraq and this is a stark reminder to us all of the dangers they face there."

[bigjarofwasps]

Four British servicemen were killed following an attack on a boat patrol in southern Iraq on 12 November.

They were named as: Warrant Officer Lee Hopkins, 35, of the Royal Corps of Signals; Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott, 34, of the Intelligence Corps; Corporal Ben Nowak, 27, of 45 Commando Royal Marines; and Marine Jason Hylton, 33, of 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines.

A further three suffered serious injuries in the attack on the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Basra.

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 125 after four soldiers were killed in Basra City on Sunday 12 November, 2006.

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 126 after a soldier in the Parachute Regiment was shot during an operation in Basra.

Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth, of the Parachute Regiment was shot during a "search and detention" operation in Basra. He was taken to a nearby military hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth, from the Parachute Regiment, was killed following a planned search and detention operation in Basra City, Iraq, on Friday 24 November 2006.

Sgt Hollingsworth sustained gunshot wounds during the operation and was evacuated to a nearby military hospital. Despite the best possible medical care, he later died from his injuries.

He was a member of the Parachute Regiment, on secondment to Headquarters Multinational Division South East, Iraq.

Edited December 30, 2006 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

Friday, 29 December 2006

A British soldier has been killed by a roadside bomb in Basra, southern Iraq, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed while taking part in a routine patrol in Basra City.

The Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle which he was travelling in was targeted by a roadside bomb.

He was airlifted to the Field Hospital at Shaibah Logistics Base, but died later as a result of his injuries.

There were no other casualties.

According to the MoD his family, who have been informed of their relative's death, have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq now stands at 127.

Sergeant Graham Hesketh, from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed by a roadside bomb while taking part in a routine patrol in Basra City in southern Iraq.

The Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle which he was travelling in was targeted by a roadside bomb.

The 35-year-old, born in Liverpool and who grew up in Runcorn, Cheshire, had a fiancee who is a soldier also serving in Iraq.

He had a seven-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/a...d=1770&ct=5

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 128 after a soldier from the Queen's Royal Lancers died in a road traffic accident in Maysan province.

[bigjarofwasps]

Sergeant Wayne Rees, from the 19 Light Brigade, the Queen's Royal Lancers, was killed in a road crash while on patrol in the Maysan province of southern Iraq.

The 36-year-old, from Nottingham, was a loving family man with a mischievous wit, colleagues said.

His squadron leader, Major Martin Todd, said the regiment had lost not only a charismatic and wholly professional soldier but also one of its most ebullient and best loved characters.

He was engaged and had an 11-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son.

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 129 after a soldier was killed while on duty in Basra on January 13.

Kingsman Alexander Green, from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died after being shot by small arms fire whilst on a task in the Hayy Al Muhandisn District of Basra City.

Kingsman Green, 21, from Warrington, had already been identified by his colleagues and commanders as a professional soldier with real leadership and command potential.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hutchinson described him as an "inspiration".

"If you could capture in one man all that a Kingsman could hope to be, you would struggle to come closer to the mark than him", he said.

He leaves behind a two-year-old son.

Edited January 15, 2007 by bigjarofwasps

[Ed_Haynes]

See also: http://www.iraqbodycount.net/

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 130 after a soldier was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Basra on 21 January.

An unnamed soldier was killed in the northern part of Basra on 21 January after the patrol vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside bomb.

Four soldiers were also injured, one "very seriously".

British soldier killed in Basra

The soldier was on a routine patrol when the attack happened

A British soldier has been killed in southern Iraq after his Warrior patrol vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Four soldiers were also injured, one "very seriously", in the attack on the routine patrol in the north of Basra.

The soldier was serving with 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry, as part of a unit attached to 1st Battalion the Staffordshire Regiment, officials said.

About 7,000 UK troops are in Basra. The government says it hopes to transfer security to Iraqi forces this year.

The casualties have been medically evacuated from the scene and are receiving the best possible medical care at the field hospital

The attack happened near the districts of Al Hadi and Al Jezaizah.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it was unclear whether the soldiers had been dismounted from the armoured vehicle when they were attacked. "The casualties have been medically evacuated from the scene and are receiving the best possible medical care at the field hospital," he added.

The soldier has not yet been named but the MoD said his family had been informed.

Heavy casualties

A total of 130 British troops have now died in Iraq since March 2003, of whom 99 are classed as having been killed in action.

On Thursday a rocket attack on the British Basra Palace military camp wounded six soldiers, one seriously.

And on Wednesday, two British soldiers sustained minor injuries after a roadside bomb exploded in the Al Ashshar area of Basra province.

US forces in Iraq suffered some of their heaviest casualties in recent months on Saturday, with 25 personnel killed.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceN...rahCityIraq.htm

Edited February 3, 2007 by bigjarofwasps

[bigjarofwasps]

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq has risen to 131 after a soldier was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Basra on 5 February.

An unnamed soldier was killed in the southern part of Basra on 5 February after the patrol vehicle in which he was travelling was hit by a roadside bomb.

The explosion, which also wounded a number of Iraqi civilians, occurred near the US consulate in the city.

[bigjarofwasps]

Second Lt Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke from the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment was killed in the southern part of Basra on 5 February.

The patrol in which he was travelling was hit by a roadside bomb which also wounded a number of Iraqi civilians near the US consulate in the city.

Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke, 24, from Hove, East Sussex, was described by his commanding officer as "bright, enthusiastic and charismatic".

The "promising" young officer was due to marry his fiancee Laura in a wedding planned for August, a eulogy released by the Ministry of Defence said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6336375.stm

[bigjarofwasps]

Soldier dies in roadside bombing

The soldiers were on patrol five miles from Basra

A British soldier has been killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol five miles south east of Basra in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The dead soldier was from 1 Yorkshire Regiment. The explosion on Friday also injured three other soldiers.

The MoD said one of the injured men was in a critical condition.

All three have been airlifted by helicopter to the hospital at Basra and none of the soldiers' identities has been released.

An MoD spokesman said the dead soldier's name would not be released until his family had been informed.

The men were all travelling in a "Snatch" Landrover, which are lightly armoured vehicles.

This latest death brings the total number of UK troops killed as a result of hostile action to 101.

It is also the second British military death this week. On Monday, Second Lieutenant Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol.

His fiancee Laura Bottomley described him as "caring, loyal and incredibly funny" at a press conference held by his family in Hove on Friday.

The couple had been due to get married on 9 August.

[bigjarofwasps]

Private Luke Simpson, from the 1st Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in a roadside bomb attack on 9 February about five miles outside of Basra.

The 21-year-old from Howden, East Yorks, was returning to his base from a routine patrol when the device detonated close to the vehicle he was driving.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Andrew Jackson, said Private Simpson stood out as a young soldier with the highest personal and professional credentials.

"He had the potential to go far and his dedication to duty, personal pride in soldiering and selfless commitment to his comrades is an inspiration to us all," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6350591.stm