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Iraq death soldier named by MoD | Iraq death soldier named by MoD |
(10 minutes later) | |
A British soldier who died after an attack on a base in southern Iraq has been named by the Ministry of Defence. | 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. | 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 with his soldier brother near Wigan, Greater Manchester, began a tour last month. | |
The number of British troops killed in operations in Iraq is now 121. Of these, 91 died after hostile action. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
He had been in Iraq since 21 October. | |
'Fearless spirit' | '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". | 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. | "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." | "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. | 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." | "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. | 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. | 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. | 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." | "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." |