A British Army soldier who died during a training exercise in Iraq has been named as Lance Corporal James Freeman, 28, of the Royal Anglian Regiment. The Ministry of Defence confirmed he died on Sunday during routine training activity in northern Iraq.
Lance Corporal Freeman was taking part in a joint training exercise with US forces in Erbil when the incident occurred. Defence Secretary John Healey led tributes, describing him as a 'selfless' soldier who served his country with dedication. The MoD said the cause of death is under investigation, with initial reports indicating a training accident.
“Lance Corporal James Freeman, 28, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, died during a routine training exercise in northern Iraq on Sunday. Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute, and an investigation is under way.”
Born in England, Lance Corporal Freeman was based at the Royal Anglian Regiment's home barracks. The regiment – part of the British Army's infantry – has a strong presence across the East of England. Tributes have been paid by colleagues, who remembered him as a 'devoted family-man' and a highly professional soldier.
The incident comes as British troops continue to serve in Iraq as part of the international coalition against so-called Islamic State. Around 400 British personnel are currently deployed in the country on training and advisory missions. The UK's commitment to Iraq remains unchanged, though this death will prompt renewed scrutiny of training safety.
John Healey said: 'Lance Corporal Freeman served his country with professionalism and dedication. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.' The MoD has said next of kin have been informed, and a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.
The Ministry of Defence has not released further details about the nature of the training activity, but confirmed it was 'routine'. An investigation by the Service Police will examine equipment, procedures and command decisions leading up to the incident.
For the UK military community, this death is a stark reminder of the risks faced by service personnel even during non-combat operations. Grief counselling will be offered to Lance Corporal Freeman's unit. The incident may also prompt broader reviews of safety protocols for training exercises abroad, particularly those involving live fire or heavy equipment.