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/6985247.stm

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

Version 0 Version 1
British casualty in Iraq is named British casualty in Iraq is named
(about 6 hours later)
A British soldier serving with the Parachute Regiment killed in Iraq this week has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Sergeant Eddie Collins.A British soldier serving with the Parachute Regiment killed in Iraq this week has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Sergeant Eddie Collins.
The MoD said he died on Wednesday during an operation "in support of ongoing coalition activity".The MoD said he died on Wednesday during an operation "in support of ongoing coalition activity".
It has been reported that he was on a special forces mission and was a member of the Special Air Service (SAS).It has been reported that he was on a special forces mission and was a member of the Special Air Service (SAS).
Sgt Collins' commanding officer said he was "a champion soldier, a proud and loving family man and a great friend".Sgt Collins' commanding officer said he was "a champion soldier, a proud and loving family man and a great friend".
He added: "[Sgt Collins] always played to win and always set the finest example.He added: "[Sgt Collins] always played to win and always set the finest example.
"He died a warrior, on the battlefield, leading from the front, doing a job he loved in the service of his friends, his regiment, his family and his country. He will never be forgotten.""He died a warrior, on the battlefield, leading from the front, doing a job he loved in the service of his friends, his regiment, his family and his country. He will never be forgotten."
Forty-two soldiers have died in Iraq this year. Forty-two British soldiers have died in Iraq this year.
Sgt Collins' death brings to 169 the number of UK armed forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died in Iraq since the start of the campaign in March 2003.Sgt Collins' death brings to 169 the number of UK armed forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died in Iraq since the start of the campaign in March 2003.