Father of soldier killed in Iraq says: 'I could strangle Tony Blair'

Private Kevin Thompson, 21, was hit by a roadside bomb as he drove in a supply convoy through Basra on Thursday.

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He was flown back to Britain for treatment but died on Sunday morning with his family at his bedside. His death brought the number of British fatalities in Iraq to 148.

Last night his father Mark said that the situation in Iraq had become a "pointless war", adding: "I could strangle Tony Blair. So many young men have died fighting in Iraq when they shouldn't be there in the first place."

Private Thompson's grandfather died two weeks ago and the family last saw him when he was granted compassionate leave to attend the funeral.

At his home in Lancaster, his father said: "When Kevin was over for the funeral he said morale among our soldiers was very low.

"Many of them didn't know why they were there, and Kevin was worried. Some of the lads were just too inexperienced for the job."

He added: "My only consolation is that Kevin died a hero."

Kevin's mother Theresa, 41, wept as she said: "It's the news every parent of a soldier dreads. Tony Blair has a lot to answer for."

Private Thompson's younger brother Andrew, 18, is also a serving soldier and followed him into the Royal Logistics Corps. He also leaves behind two younger sisters, Nicola and Jade, and his fiancee Lucy.

He was serving in his first operational tour with 19 Combat Service Support Battalion from the Royal Logistics Corps and was driving in a convoy taking supplies to bases across Basra city when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb ambush at 2am on Thursday.

He was taken to the main British base at Basra Air Station and then back to Britain for treatment at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, where his condition deteriorated quickly, and he died on Sunday.

His commanding officer in Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel David Golding, praised him as an "outstanding soldier."

He said: "He had driven the route that ultimately claimed his life many times in the last six months – each and every time aware of the dangers, and each and every time standing up to the test with courage and conviction.

"We will do as he would have wanted and get back in the truck and back down the road, all the while remembering our brave friend who never once flinched in the face of danger."

Private Thompson's troop commander Lieutenant Chris Heyworth said: "This was his first operational tour and he had made a name for himself as a hard-working and uncomplaining soldier who just got on with the job no matter how hard the conditions.

"He could put a smile on the face of anyone in the Troop and we all liked his company and the way he conducted himself in such a professional manner."