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01/03/2007
MoD names British soldier killed in Iraq
The Ministry of Defence have named the soldier killed during an ambush in Basra on Tuesday as Rifleman Daniel Lee Coffey, from 10 Platoon, C Company, Second Battalion The Rifles.
Rifleman Coffey, 21, died as a result of injuries sustained during patrol in north Basra. He was returning to his base at the Shatt-Al-Arab Hotel after taking part in a task mentoring the Iraqi Police Service when two gunmen ambushed his patrol.
Rifleman Coffey was on top cover, providing protection for the patrol vehicles when he came under small arms fire attack from the gunmen.
He was evacuated by helicopter to a field hospital, but died later that day from his injuries.
Rifleman Coffey from Exeter was single. He enlisted in the army in August 2005 and was posted to the Devon and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI) in February 2006.
He deployed with the DDLI to Iraq between April and November last year and volunteered to serve in the country again, deploying to Basra City North with C Company Second Battalion The Rifles in January 2007.
Major Michael Foster-Brown, Rifleman Coffey's company commander, described him as "professional, enthusiastic and a reliable soldier with a bright future." He said: "Rifleman Coffey had the qualities of a good rifleman: hard-working, thorough, quick-witted, brave, adventurous and with maybe just a hint of cheekiness. With these qualities, he had strong potential for the future. We will miss him and we feel for his family."
Defence Secretary Des Browne described Rifleman Coffey's death as "deeply saddening." He said: "The fact that he volunteered for a second tour of duty, so shortly after returning from Iraq, is testament to his courage and devotion. I am sure he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this difficult time."
(KMcA/SP)
Rifleman Coffey, 21, died as a result of injuries sustained during patrol in north Basra. He was returning to his base at the Shatt-Al-Arab Hotel after taking part in a task mentoring the Iraqi Police Service when two gunmen ambushed his patrol.
Rifleman Coffey was on top cover, providing protection for the patrol vehicles when he came under small arms fire attack from the gunmen.
He was evacuated by helicopter to a field hospital, but died later that day from his injuries.
Rifleman Coffey from Exeter was single. He enlisted in the army in August 2005 and was posted to the Devon and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI) in February 2006.
He deployed with the DDLI to Iraq between April and November last year and volunteered to serve in the country again, deploying to Basra City North with C Company Second Battalion The Rifles in January 2007.
Major Michael Foster-Brown, Rifleman Coffey's company commander, described him as "professional, enthusiastic and a reliable soldier with a bright future." He said: "Rifleman Coffey had the qualities of a good rifleman: hard-working, thorough, quick-witted, brave, adventurous and with maybe just a hint of cheekiness. With these qualities, he had strong potential for the future. We will miss him and we feel for his family."
Defence Secretary Des Browne described Rifleman Coffey's death as "deeply saddening." He said: "The fact that he volunteered for a second tour of duty, so shortly after returning from Iraq, is testament to his courage and devotion. I am sure he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this difficult time."
(KMcA/SP)
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