The Ministry of Defence has named the British soldier who died in a training accident in Iraq as Lance Corporal James Freeman of the Royal Anglian Regiment.
L/Cpl Freeman joined the Army in June 2016 and served in South Sudan, Cyprus, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania, and Kenya, as well as contributing to the UK's Covid-19 response and supporting Operation Shader in Iraq.
Colonel James WHM Bishop, commander of Operation Shader, described him as a 'larger than life and magnetically charming' junior leader who brought people together. He added that Freeman's absence leaves a 'profound, irreplaceable void'.
Lieutenant Samuel Frost, his platoon commander, praised him as 'one of the best' and said he was 'committed to achieving any task before him to the highest standard'.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced the death in the House of Commons on Monday, expressing deep regret and offering condolences to the soldier's family and unit.
