Tributes to UK soldier killed in Basra gun incident
UK soldier killed in incident in Basra, Iraq, yesterday named as Lance Corporal David Kenneth Wilson
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Friday, 05, Dec 2008 04:03
The Ministry of Defence has led tributes to the British soldier killed in Iraq yesterday, named today as Lance Corporal David Kenneth Wilson.
L Cpl Wilson died in Basra on Thursday after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head. A statement from the MoD said there was no suggestion of enemy forces, or any other individuals, being involved.
The 27-year-old's parents Ian and Doreen, from Huddersfield, paid tribute to their "generous, kind-hearted" son, who was in the 9 Regiment Army Air Corps and the Joint Helicopter Force.
As well as his parents L Cpl Wilson leaves behind fiancee Michelle Curry and their 11-week-old daughter Poppy.
"David was a loving and devoted family man who was the light of Michelle's life. The recent gift of their beautiful baby daughter had made his world complete," the family statement said.
"David wore his uniform with pride and was fulfilling his lifelong ambition to be a soldier. The family are extremely proud of him and our world will be a much sadder place without him. Words cannot express how much he was dearly loved."
L Cpl Wilson's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Richard Green said he embodied what is best about soldiers in the British army.
"Lance Corporal Wilson was an excellent soldier who will be deeply missed," Lt Col Green said.
"We have all had the privilege to serve with him and will fondly remember him as a chatty, affable individual who was always at the front of the queue to help others. A dearly loved father, our thoughts now sit firmly with Michelle and his family."
Defence secretary John Hutton said he was very saddened to hear of L Cpl Wilson's death.
"His colleagues and commanders have described him as a man who was always professional, courteous and extremely loyal - a testament to his family and an example to all," the minister said.
"He is a sad loss to the army air corps and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."