Soldier's parents 'sad but proud'

Robert Thomson was killed in Iraq on Saturday

The parents of the latest British soldier to die in Iraq have said they drew comfort from the fact he lost his life serving his country.

Robert Thomson, from Bathgate, West Lothian, was killed in Basra on Saturday in what the MoD called a "tragic accident".

The 22-year-old was serving with 35 Engineer Regiment, normally based in Paderborn, Germany.

His death brings the number of British military fatalities in Iraq to 58.

In a statement, Robert and Margaret Thomson paid tribute to their son.

Words cannot express the depth of our grief, but mixed with our profound sadness there is pride in the knowledge that he died while serving his country Robert and Margaret Thomson

"The family and all of Robert's friends were shocked and saddened to hear of his death during active service in Iraq.

"He was a wonderful son who lived life to the full, and was an ardent follower of Motherwell Football Club.

"He is sorely missed by all the family - all of whom were extremely proud of him being a soldier - and he was much looked-up to by his younger brother Stewie."

The family also said Mr Thomson loved serving in the regiment, which he joined in December 2002.

The statement concluded: "At this time words cannot express the depth of our grief, but mixed with our profound sadness there is pride in the knowledge that he died while serving his country.

"He will be remembered by all that knew him forever."

An MoD spokeswoman said Mr Thomson, who was single, died following an engineering accident related to his job.

The spokeswoman said: "The death was engineering related, and was not as a result of a road crash, or enemy fire."

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An investigation has been launched into what happened.

Major Alex Hilton, the commanding officer of Mr Thomson's regiment, said the 22-year-old would be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He said: "Known to all as Rab he was a popular member of the Armoured Troop of the Squadron.

"A ready wit and a natural enthusiast, he made friends easily and was always good for morale.

"You could never stay mad at him long, as he always had a quick reply that would make you smile."

Major Hilton said he would have been a strong contender for promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal.

He added: "His sudden death has shocked the whole regiment and left many mourning the loss of a close friend and brother-in-arms.

"Our thoughts are with his family."