Iraq bomb attack soldier is named

The soldiers were on patrol five miles from Basra

A British soldier killed in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq on Friday has been named as Private Luke Daniel Simpson.

The explosion five miles south east of the Basra also injured three other soldiers, one of them critically.

Pte Simpson, 21, from Howden, East Yorkshire, was a member of the 1st Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The death brought the total number of UK troops killed as a result of hostile action in Iraq since 2003 to 101.

The total number of UK troops killed in operations is 132.

The MoD said private Simpson was returning to his base from a routine patrol when the device detonated close to the vehicle he was driving.

Personal pride

Pte Simpson, who was known as "Boob" to friends, had two sisters.

He joined the Army at the age of 16 and saw service in both Northern Ireland and Bosnia before being deployed to Iraq in November 2006.

His dedication to duty, personal pride in soldiering and selfless commitment to his comrades is an inspiration to us all Lt Col Andrew Jackson

His father also served with the 1st Battalion as a Sergeant Major.

Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Jackson, said: "Private Luke Simpson stood out as a young soldier with the highest personal and professional credentials.

"He had the potential to go far and his dedication to duty, personal pride in soldiering and selfless commitment to his comrades is an inspiration to us all."

Colleagues in A Company said Star Wars and TV comedy fan Pte Simpson was someone who always put others before himself.

"His loss is devastating as he was such a positive influence on the platoon. He never complained and always made light of difficulties. He was simply a great soldier to have around and be around," said Sgt Chris McConaghy.

Others recalled his sense of humour.

Lance Corporal Chris Blunsdon said: "He was not the biggest guy in the world, in fact we called him 'kid's body', but he used to go on about how huge he was all the time.

"I remember him once complaining that the new Land Rover was not big enough for his massive frame and pretending to get cramp in the front seat."

Pte Stuart Brown, formerly of 1 Platoon, said: "You would see a group of giggling troops and guarantee that Boob would be in the middle... I will miss him dearly."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said his thoughts and prayers were with Private Simpson's loved ones and comrades.

He said attempts to undermine British efforts to improve the lives of the Iraqi people would not succeed.

"We are very proud of the professionalism and courage shown by our Armed Forces serving on operations around the world," he said.