Another British Serviceman Killed In Iraq
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By Jamie Lyons
PA News
11-5-3
Another British serviceman has been killed in Iraq, Downing Street
said today.
Royal Marine Corporal Ian Plank, 31, was killed by hostile fire, the
Ministry of Defence said.
Cpl Plank, from Poole, Dorset, died during a military operation on
October 31 but his death was not revealed until today.
Tony Blair's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is
obviously deeply saddened.
"We have always been aware that the work that our troops do in Iraq
is both dangerous and valuable, and the Prime Minister has always been very
aware of the risks that our soldiers run at the same time as he believes
their work is highly to be valued."
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was no further
information about the nature of the incident which claimed the corporal's
life.
Colonel Jerry Heal, director of the Royal Marines, said: "Ian Plank
was an extremely popular and greatly admired member of the Royal Marines,
widely respected for his professional excellence, commitment and
determination.
"He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness
under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were
especially valued.
"He embodied all the personal and professional qualities associated
with the Royal Marines and he enriched the lives of those who knew him, both
socially and in the workplace.
"His positive outlook, bright disposition and zest for life will be
remembered with deep pride and affection by all who knew him, and most of
all by his family and those members of the Royal Marines and others with
whom he served around the world."
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=460506