UK soldier killed in Basra named

Kingsman Alan Joseph Jones, 20, of the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, died after his Platoon came under small-arms fire in the Al Ashar District of Central Basra City, the MoD said.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Army in August 2003, died of injuries sustained during the incident, despite his colleagues' best efforts to save his life.

Captain Mike Peel, of the Reconnaissance Platoon, said Kingsman Jones would be "sorely missed".

"I knew Kingsman Jones to be a soldier with an appetite for soldiering at the sharp end," he said. "An honest, experienced and robust character, he was always willing to assist others in whatever way he could. He will be sorely missed by all who had the honour to serve alongside him."

Liverpool-born "Jonesy", as he was known to colleagues, was a staunch Everton fan and keen footballer, who leaves behind his mother Julie, younger brother Reese, and girlfriend Lauren.

After arriving in Iraq with his battalion in November, he was often deployed with his colleagues on operations and in a variety of roles, by armoured vehicle, helicopter and by boat.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon, his commanding officer, said: "He was the epitome of all a Kingsman should be."

Kingsman Jones's death brings the total number of British fatalities since the hostilities in Iraq began to 145, and is the 11th death this month. It came four days after two British soldiers were killed when their armoured vehicle was hit by a bomb blast in Iraq.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Kingsman Alan Jones. By all accounts, he was a popular, dependable young man. His family, friends and fellow soldiers in the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment are in my thoughts at this difficult time and I know he will be sorely missed."