01/11/2004

Two UK soldiers die in Iraq

The British army in Iraq has suffered two non-combat related deaths over the weekend, it has emerged today.

In the first incident, a Black Watch soldier was killed in a road accident as the battalion redeployed to southern Baghdad.

Private Kevin Thomas McHale, of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, died in a road traffic accident in North Babil province on October 29.

The 27-year-old soldier was single and came from Lochgelly in Fife. He had served five years with the battalion as a Warrior armoured vehicle driver. This was his second operational tour with The Black Watch, having served in Iraq during the period of active combat operations in the spring of 2003.

The 850-strong British battle group began moving up to Baghdad to reinforce US troops in the area last week. The force consists of armoured infantry from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, a Queen's Dragoon Guards armoured reconnaissance unit, and elements of 40 Commando Royal Marines.

Since the UK battle group arrived at Camp Dogwood it has been subjected to mortar and rocket attack. There have not been any casualties reported during these incidents.

Elsewhere, a British soldier was found dead at a military base in Basrah on the morning of October 31. The investigation into the death is ongoing, but it is not believed to be the result of any hostile act.

The MoD has voiced its regret at both deaths and offered condolences to the families involved.

There are currently around 8,500 British troops stationed in Iraq.

(gmcg)

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