The British Army soldier who died in a training accident in Iraq has been named as Lance Corporal James Freeman. The 29-year-old father-of-one was described as 'larger than life' and 'steadfastly dependable' in tributes released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). LCpl Freeman, from 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died in northern Iraq on Sunday.
He was in the country as part of Operation Shader, a mission aimed at tackling so-called Islamic State in the region. The MoD said in a statement: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died on 31 May following a tragic accident during routine military training activity whilst deployed on Operation SHADER, Iraq. He was 29 years old. Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Freeman's family, friends and Regiment at this devastating time.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to LCpl Freeman in Parliament on Wednesday, telling MPs: 'I want to place on record our deepest condolences to the family of LCpl James Freeman, who died in a tragic accident on Sunday.'
LCpl Freeman joined the Army in June 2016, attending the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before joining 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment — known as The Vikings — in February 2017. He deployed on operations in South Sudan, contributed to the national response to the COVID pandemic and supported force protection missions in Cyprus. He also served in the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya.
Colonel James Bishop, commander of Operation Shader, said he was 'devastated' by LCpl Freeman's death, describing him as a 'highly professional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer' who was 'larger than life and magnetically charming'. Lieutenant Colonel Nick McGinley, Commanding Officer of The Vikings, said LCpl Freeman had a 'bright future ahead of him' and was 'everything you could wish for in a junior leader'.
