Menu
05/11/2003
UK special forces soldier confirmed dead in Iraq firefight
A British special forces soldier has been killed during a firefight in Iraq, it has been confirmed.
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, was among a group of SBS and SAS soldiers attacking an Al Qaida training camp believed to be in northern Iraq when he shot and killed last Friday. Four other British soldiers have been reported as injured during the exchange. Due to "operational reasons", the MoD only confirmed his death last night.
Corporal Plank, from Poole in Dorset, was a member of the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service.
Colonel Jerry Heal, the Director Royal Marines, said that Ian Plank was an "extremely popular and greatly admired" soldier.
He added: "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 work place.
"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."
Britain has now lost a total of 52 personnel since the beginning of hostilities in March.
(gmcg)
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, was among a group of SBS and SAS soldiers attacking an Al Qaida training camp believed to be in northern Iraq when he shot and killed last Friday. Four other British soldiers have been reported as injured during the exchange. Due to "operational reasons", the MoD only confirmed his death last night.
Corporal Plank, from Poole in Dorset, was a member of the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service.
Colonel Jerry Heal, the Director Royal Marines, said that Ian Plank was an "extremely popular and greatly admired" soldier.
He added: "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 work place.
"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."
Britain has now lost a total of 52 personnel since the beginning of hostilities in March.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2008
Afghanistan Death Confirmed
It has been confirmed that a soldier from 40 Commando Royal Marines has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. It happened on Wednesday, with one other marine also injured in the incident, and since described as "walking wounded".
Afghanistan Death Confirmed
It has been confirmed that a soldier from 40 Commando Royal Marines has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. It happened on Wednesday, with one other marine also injured in the incident, and since described as "walking wounded".
14 November 2014
Body Found In Search For Missing Royal Marine
A body has been found in a search for missing Royal Marine, Luke Ireland. The 20-year-old was reported missing by his father when he failed to return from a run in the Cairngorms National Park. A ground and air search was launched, with almost 250 people, including around 160 Marines, joined in the efforts to find Mr Ireland.
Body Found In Search For Missing Royal Marine
A body has been found in a search for missing Royal Marine, Luke Ireland. The 20-year-old was reported missing by his father when he failed to return from a run in the Cairngorms National Park. A ground and air search was launched, with almost 250 people, including around 160 Marines, joined in the efforts to find Mr Ireland.
01 September 2011
Name of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Released
The Ministry of Defence has released the name of the latest British soldier to be killed during the Afghanistan conflict. Sergeant Barry John Weston, from Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, became the 379th British solder to be killed during an operation in the Helmand province on Tuesday August 30.
Name of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Released
The Ministry of Defence has released the name of the latest British soldier to be killed during the Afghanistan conflict. Sergeant Barry John Weston, from Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, became the 379th British solder to be killed during an operation in the Helmand province on Tuesday August 30.
06 June 2011
Soldier Killed In Bomb Blast
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of a British soldier in Afghanistan. The unnamed soldier was killed by a bomb while on a patrol in the Haji Kareen area of the Nahr-e Saraj district on Sunday. The soldier, was from 1st Battalion The Rifles. His family have been told.
Soldier Killed In Bomb Blast
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of a British soldier in Afghanistan. The unnamed soldier was killed by a bomb while on a patrol in the Haji Kareen area of the Nahr-e Saraj district on Sunday. The soldier, was from 1st Battalion The Rifles. His family have been told.
19 July 2010
UK Servicemen Killed In Afghanistan Named
The Ministry of Defence has now named all four of the British servicemen who were killed in Afghanistan over the weekend. Staff Sergeant Brett George Linley, 29, from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps, was killed in an explosion during a counter-IED operation in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.
UK Servicemen Killed In Afghanistan Named
The Ministry of Defence has now named all four of the British servicemen who were killed in Afghanistan over the weekend. Staff Sergeant Brett George Linley, 29, from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps, was killed in an explosion during a counter-IED operation in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
