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'Finest' serviceman dies in Iraq | 'Finest' serviceman dies in Iraq |
(1 day later) | |
An RAF serviceman from Flintshire who was killed in a mortar attack in southern Iraq has been named by the Ministry of Defence. | |
Senior Aircraftman Peter McFerran, 24, from Connah's Quay, was one of three RAF servicemen who died in an attack on a base in Basra on Thursday. | |
He was described by his commanding officer as "robust, strong, dedicated and loyal". | He was described by his commanding officer as "robust, strong, dedicated and loyal". |
The deaths bring the total number of UK armed forces deaths in Iraq to 162. | The deaths bring the total number of UK armed forces deaths in Iraq to 162. |
The three RAF servicemen were resting from their duties protecting aircraft operating from Basra Airport. | The three RAF servicemen were resting from their duties protecting aircraft operating from Basra Airport. |
Mr McFerran was the heavy machine gun operator for his unit. He had followed his father into the RAF in 2004. | |
Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton described him as "utterly dependable". | Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton described him as "utterly dependable". |
"As his squadron commander I knew I could rely on him not only for the consummate skill he brought to the job but also for his honest, incisive opinion. | "As his squadron commander I knew I could rely on him not only for the consummate skill he brought to the job but also for his honest, incisive opinion. |
"His job was his life, his hobby, everything, and in Pete we have lost one of our finest. " | "His job was his life, his hobby, everything, and in Pete we have lost one of our finest. " |
Matthew Caulwell from Birmingham and Christopher Dunsmore from Leicester, were the other senior aircraftsmen who died in the rocket attack. | Matthew Caulwell from Birmingham and Christopher Dunsmore from Leicester, were the other senior aircraftsmen who died in the rocket attack. |
Defence Secretary Des Browne paid tribute to the men, saying: "They were all exceptional and talented young men whose professionalism and selfless commitment will not be forgotten. | Defence Secretary Des Browne paid tribute to the men, saying: "They were all exceptional and talented young men whose professionalism and selfless commitment will not be forgotten. |
"My heart-felt condolences go out to their partners, families, friends and colleagues in Iraq at this most painful and difficult of times," he said. | "My heart-felt condolences go out to their partners, families, friends and colleagues in Iraq at this most painful and difficult of times," he said. |
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