Menu
06/09/2006
MoD names soldier killed in Iraq blast
The Ministry of Defence has named the second soldier killed in a roadside explosion in Iraq on Monday.
Gunner Samuela Vanua, 27, from the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb near the town of Ad Dayr, north of Basra City.
Gunner Stephen Wright, 20, from the same regiment was also killed in the same blast.
The soldiers had been on a routine patrol in support of a Danish reconstruction team when the incident occurred.
The MoD said that the explosion hit the landrover patrol as it was returning to their base following a routine task training the Iraqi Police.
Gunner Vanua, known as Sammy, joined the Army in 2002.
He was attached to 58 (Eyre's) Battery, which currently forms part of the Danish-led Basra Rural North Battle Group and is four months into a six-and-a-half month tour of Iraq.
The Fijian soldier was described as "the archetypal Gunner: tough, hard-working and resourceful".
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Campbell, from Headquarters of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery in Sennelager, Germany, said: "I was impressed by his (Gunner Vanua's) excellent attitude, infectious cheerfulness, conduct and confidence. I have many Fijian soldiers in my regiment; I could see he was there with the best of them.
"His cheeky grin characterised a mischievous good humour that endeared him to all. Popular throughout the regiment, he was fantastic company at work and socially.
"A young man growing in confidence and maturity, Gunner Vanua had obvious potential for a hugely successful career. A high quality, motivated soldier of whom the Army, his regiment and his battery is rightly very proud. Gunner Vanua was a credit to Fiji and will be sorely missed by all."
Gunner Wright, nicknamed 'Trigger', joined the Army as a 16-year-old in 2002.
Serving in the same regiment as Gunner Vanua, Gunner Wright's deployment to Iraq was his first operational tour.
On Tuesday, Lt Col Campbell said: "Gunner 'Trigger' Wright had very much come of age in Iraq, where he displayed unwavering loyalty to the battery, his multiple and his team. To lose such a valued young man under these tragic circumstances has affected us all enormously.
"He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in Germany and within the battery serving in Iraq."
A statement issued by Gunner Wright's family on Tuesday said that his death had come as a "massive shock."
The statement said: "Stephen was a quiet, happy young man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his friends and family.
"Stephen loved the Army life. It was all he wanted to do. The whole family is very proud of him."
(KMcA/EF)
Gunner Samuela Vanua, 27, from the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb near the town of Ad Dayr, north of Basra City.
Gunner Stephen Wright, 20, from the same regiment was also killed in the same blast.
The soldiers had been on a routine patrol in support of a Danish reconstruction team when the incident occurred.
The MoD said that the explosion hit the landrover patrol as it was returning to their base following a routine task training the Iraqi Police.
Gunner Vanua, known as Sammy, joined the Army in 2002.
He was attached to 58 (Eyre's) Battery, which currently forms part of the Danish-led Basra Rural North Battle Group and is four months into a six-and-a-half month tour of Iraq.
The Fijian soldier was described as "the archetypal Gunner: tough, hard-working and resourceful".
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Campbell, from Headquarters of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery in Sennelager, Germany, said: "I was impressed by his (Gunner Vanua's) excellent attitude, infectious cheerfulness, conduct and confidence. I have many Fijian soldiers in my regiment; I could see he was there with the best of them.
"His cheeky grin characterised a mischievous good humour that endeared him to all. Popular throughout the regiment, he was fantastic company at work and socially.
"A young man growing in confidence and maturity, Gunner Vanua had obvious potential for a hugely successful career. A high quality, motivated soldier of whom the Army, his regiment and his battery is rightly very proud. Gunner Vanua was a credit to Fiji and will be sorely missed by all."
Gunner Wright, nicknamed 'Trigger', joined the Army as a 16-year-old in 2002.
Serving in the same regiment as Gunner Vanua, Gunner Wright's deployment to Iraq was his first operational tour.
On Tuesday, Lt Col Campbell said: "Gunner 'Trigger' Wright had very much come of age in Iraq, where he displayed unwavering loyalty to the battery, his multiple and his team. To lose such a valued young man under these tragic circumstances has affected us all enormously.
"He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in Germany and within the battery serving in Iraq."
A statement issued by Gunner Wright's family on Tuesday said that his death had come as a "massive shock."
The statement said: "Stephen was a quiet, happy young man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his friends and family.
"Stephen loved the Army life. It was all he wanted to do. The whole family is very proud of him."
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2005
New special forces regiment to tackle terrorism
The formation of a new Army special forces regiment, tasked with meeting the threat of international terrorism, was announced today by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Hoon declared the 'Special Reconnaissance Regiment' (SRR) will be operational from April 6 2005.
New special forces regiment to tackle terrorism
The formation of a new Army special forces regiment, tasked with meeting the threat of international terrorism, was announced today by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Hoon declared the 'Special Reconnaissance Regiment' (SRR) will be operational from April 6 2005.
14 May 2004
Queen's Lancashire Regiment CO demands apology
The CO of the British regiment accused by the Daily Mirror of alleged prisoner abuse has demanded an apology. Speaking at a press conference today, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment said that the photos had been proven to be a hoax.
Queen's Lancashire Regiment CO demands apology
The CO of the British regiment accused by the Daily Mirror of alleged prisoner abuse has demanded an apology. Speaking at a press conference today, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment said that the photos had been proven to be a hoax.
08 November 2006
MoD names British soldier killed in Basra
The Ministry of Defence has named a British solider who was killed in an attack at an army base in southern Iraq on Monday.
MoD names British soldier killed in Basra
The Ministry of Defence has named a British solider who was killed in an attack at an army base in southern Iraq on Monday.
23 January 2008
MoD Names Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the British soldier killed in Afghanistan at the weekend as Corporal Darryl Gardiner from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Cpl Gardiner, 25, was serving in Afghanistan attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 52 Brigade's Reconnaissance Force.
MoD Names Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the British soldier killed in Afghanistan at the weekend as Corporal Darryl Gardiner from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Cpl Gardiner, 25, was serving in Afghanistan attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 52 Brigade's Reconnaissance Force.
13 October 2006
Army chief says troops should be pulled out of Iraq
The head of the British army has called for a pullout of UK troops from Iraq "sometime soon." General Sir Richard Dannatt told the Daily Mail that planning for the post-war phase of the military offensive was based more on "optimism" than sound planning.
Army chief says troops should be pulled out of Iraq
The head of the British army has called for a pullout of UK troops from Iraq "sometime soon." General Sir Richard Dannatt told the Daily Mail that planning for the post-war phase of the military offensive was based more on "optimism" than sound planning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy start and the chance of the odd evening shower. Soon becoming dry with prolonged clear spells allowing fog patches to develop in places. Cloud increases in the early hours with patchy rain northwest towards morning. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
