This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6577363.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UK soldiers killed in Iraq named UK soldiers killed in Iraq named
(10 minutes later)
Two British soldiers killed in south-east Iraq have been named as Corporal Ben Leaning and Trooper Kristen Turton. 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.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 Scunthorpe, and Tpr Turton, 28, from Grimsby, were in a Scimitar tank when the blast happened. Cpl Leaning, 24, from Scunthorpe, 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.Three further soldiers were injured in the incident - one seriously.
The two deaths bring the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 144. 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.
The soldiers were patrolling at 1120 local time (0820 BST) on Thursday when the explosion occurred. They were patrolling at 1120 local time (0820 BST) on Thursday when the explosion occurred.
They were killed a day after Iraqi authorities took over control of security enforcement in Maysan Province. 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.
Their regiment is currently nearing the end of a six-month tour. '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.British forces withdrew from a permanent base in Maysan last August, but have continued to work at improving border security in the province.
Two military personnel were killed on Sunday when two Puma helicopters crashed in an apparent mid-air collision in a rural area near Taji, north of Baghdad. The two deaths bring the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 144.
They have been named as Colour Sergeant Mark Powell, 37, of the Parachute Regiment and Sergeant Mark McLaren, 27, of the RAF.