British soldier who died in Iraq training accident is named
The name of the British soldier who died in a training accident in Iraq has been announced by the Ministry of Defence.
Lance Corporal James Freeman, 28, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, joined the army in June 2016.
It was deployed in operations in South Sudan, contributing to the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting force protection missions in Cyprus and most recently in Iraq. He also served in the Falkland Islands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya.
Colonel James WHM Bishop, commander of Operation Shader in Iraq, said: “With a truly larger-than-life and captivating personality, he was a trusted young leader who naturally brought people together, creating a large and fiercely loyal group of friends throughout the Op Shader contingent.
“His absence leaves a deep, irreplaceable void and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, family and the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment.”
Defense Minister John Healey announced in the House of Commons on Monday that a British soldier had died in Iraq.
He told MPs: “It is with great sadness that I must inform the House that a training accident occurred in Northern Iraq yesterday, in which a British Army personnel died.
“I know the House’s thoughts will be with the family and the unit at this extremely sad time.”
