29/06/2007

Soldiers killed in Iraq named

The Ministry of Defence has released the names of three soldiers killed in Iraq on Thursday.

Corporal Paul Joszko, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and Privates Scott Kennedy and James Kerr, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were killed in a roadside bomb attack in Basra.

They had dismounted from a Warrior patrol in the Al Amtahiya district in the southeast of the city to check the area when the attack took place.

Another British soldier was very seriously injured in the attack and is currently being treated in the military field hospital in Basra.

Corporal Joszko, 28, from Mountain Ash in Wales, had an eleven-month old son with his girlfriend Kayleigh and she is expecting their second child.

Lieutenant Colonel James Swift, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, said: "Paul was an excellent soldier; he was amongst the best of his generation. He had recently returned from training recruits in Catterick and was a very strong contender for promotion to sergeant.

"He had a cheerful, warm character and was loved by his men and respected by all those he met. He was doggedly loyal, acutely professional and led his men firmly but also with style and enormous compassion."

Private Kennedy, 20, from Oakley, Dunfermline, was known as 'Casper' and was looking forward to the birth of his first child with his girlfriend, Vicky.

His company commander, Major Steven Webb said: "He was a valued member of the platoon and he played his part to the full: hard-working, conscientious and very aware of the team around him and his role in it. In addition, he was the sort of character that was always willing to contribute to solutions in a positive and constructive way."

Private Kerr, 20, from Cowdenbeath joined the Black Watch in 2005 and was serving with them in Northern Ireland until earlier this year when he volunteered to reinforce the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh for their operational tour in Iraq. Major Webb described him as a "very good soldier; skilled and intelligent". He said: "Jamie was a very strong and positive influence on his platoon. He was a skilled soldier, keen to play his part and to learn new skills. He was also charismatic and great fun to be around with the ability to lift the morale of whole groups, at very difficult times."

(KMcA)


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