MoD names UK soldier killed in Iraq
Lance Corporal Timothy Flowers was 25
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Sunday, 22, Jul 2007 10:47
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the British soldier killed in southern Iraq yesterday as Lance Corporal Timothy Darren Flowers.
L Cpl Flowers, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, died at the British army's base at Basra Palace on Saturday in an "indirect fire attack".
In a statement the MoD explained the 25-year-old had been working in a vehicle park when the indiscriminate mortar attack occurred.
"Despite reacting quickly and carrying out the correct drills, he was hit by shrapnel and subsequently died from his injuries," the statement said.
Northern Ireland-born L Cpl Flowers had been in the army for four years and during his time in Basra had been attached to the Second Royal Tank Regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel David Catmur, the commanding officer of the regiment, described the lance corporal as an "invaluable asset to my regiment and a "hugely-effective soldier".
"His loss affects us all and he will be sorely, sorely missed. Now though our hearts go out to his grandparents, his family and his friends for their loss is the greater," Lt Col Catmur added.
Defence secretary Des Browne said he was "deeply-saddened" to hear of L Cpl Flowers' death.
"He was doing an important job with great skill and enthusiasm in challenging circumstances. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him," the minister said.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
L Cpl Flowers is the 163rd British soldier to die since the US-led conflict in Iraq began in 2003.