The British soldier who died during a training accident in Iraq on Sunday has been identified as Lance Corporal James Freeman, 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the incident occurred during what it described as "routine training activity" in northern Iraq, under the banner of Operation Shader, the UK's military campaign against the so-called Islamic State.
Dedicated and Experienced Soldier
The MoD paid tribute to L/Cpl Freeman, calling him a "dedicated and experienced" soldier with a promising career ahead of him. He had previously served in numerous deployments, including South Sudan, Cyprus, Iraq, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania, and Kenya.
According to the MoD, L/Cpl Freeman was a "devoted family-man" who always put his family first, whether through a passing comment in a difficult situation or expressing his excitement to see them when he was away.
Tributes from Comrades
Lieutenant Samuel Frost, L/Cpl Freeman's Platoon Commander, praised him as an "impressive soldier," stating: "Working with Lance Corporal Freeman has been a huge pleasure, and he will be sorely missed, rightfully commemorated, and never forgotten. He was one of the best. His passing is a shock to the Company, and his wife and daughter have my profound sympathy."
Corporal William Thorpe, a close friend, added: "James was my best friend. A man who was committed to achieving any task before him to the highest standard and always professional, but also someone to talk to in confidence, either for advice or, most often, for a moan. I do not believe I would be where I am today without him, especially for the amount of 'just do me a favour' favours I owe him."
