UK soldier killed in Iraq named

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A British soldier killed while on patrol in southern Iraq has been named as Kingsman Alan Joseph Jones by the Ministry of Defence.

Kingsman Jones, 20, from the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was patrolling in the Al Ashar district of central Basra.

He was providing protection for a Warrior armoured vehicle when he was killed by small arms fire on Monday.

The gunner, from Liverpool, was described as "cheerful and likeable".

Everton fan

Kingsman Jones was evacuated to Basra Palace but later died of his injuries.

He joined the Army in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq in November 2006.

A staunch Everton fan and keen footballer, Kingsman Jones leaves behind his mother, Julie, younger brother, Reese, and girlfriend Lauren.

He was the epitome of all a Kingsman should be Lt Col Mark Kenyon

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon, said he would be remembered as a "professional soldier who was loyal to his regiment and his friends".

"Above all he was a cheerful and likeable young man who always had time to help others," he said.

"He was the epitome of all a Kingsman should be."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said Kingsman Jones' family, friends and fellow soldiers were in his thoughts.

"I know he will be sorely missed," he said.

The death of Kingsman Jones brings the number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 145.