15/05/2006

MoD names British soldiers killed in Iraq bombing

The Ministry of Defence has named the two soldiers killed in a roadside bomb blast in Iraq on Saturday.

Privates Joseva Lewaicei, 25, and Adam Morris, 19, both of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb that occurred around 11.45pm local time in Basra, southern Iraq, on Saturday.

The two riflemen were on a routine patrol when the incident occurred.

Pte Lewaicei, known as Lewi, was born in Fiji and has a seven-year-old daughter there. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Des O'Driscoll described him as a "fun-loving and exuberant character" who was also a keen sportsman, who had represented the Battalion in both rugby and boxing.

Pte Morris, who was from Leicester and was single, was noted for his "sheer professionalism and reliability", Lt O'Driscoll said.

Lt O'Driscoll said: "Our sympathy goes out to their families at this terrible time. We are deeply saddened at his tragic loss. They will be sorely missed by their friends and the wider regimental family."

In other news, four soldiers have been wounded in a mortar attack on a British base near Amara in southern Iraq.

The injuries happened when the Abu Naji camp was shelled early this morning.

One soldier was taken to a military hospital for treatment, while three others were treated for minor injuries at the base.

Saturday's deaths brought the total number of British forces to have been killed in Iraq since hostilities began in March 2003 to 111.

(KMcA)

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