Lance Corporal James Freeman, 29, died during a routine military training activity in northern Iraq in Sunday, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed in a statement
A British Army serviceman who tragically lost his life during a training exercise in Iraq, has been named by the Ministry of Defence. Lance Corporal James Freeman was just 29 when he was killed during the routine military training activity.
In a statement, the MoD shared photographs along with a statement that said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died on 31 May following a tragic accident during routine military training activity whilst deployed on Operation SHADER, Iraq.
“He was 29 years old. Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Freeman’s family, friends and regiment at this devastating time.”
Lance Corporal Freeman joined the Army in June 2016, attending the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, before joining 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings) in February 2017.
He was described as a dedicated and experienced Viking and Royal Anglian Regiment soldier. He deployed on Operations in South Sudan, contributed to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supported force protection missions in Cyprus and most recently Operation SHADER, Iraq.
In addition, he served in the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya. He served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner. However, it was his most recent appointment, as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon, that was most notable.
He was described as deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him.
A lover of the outdoors, he would often go clay pigeon shooting and regularly share stories about shooting with his dad. He also enjoyed gaming and would often play video games into the late hours with soldiers across the battalion.
Above all, he was a devoted family-man and never passed up on the opportunity to share that with his peers. He put them first in every situation whether it was a passing comment in a hard situation or expressing his excitement to see them when he was away.
Colonel James WHM Bishop, Commander British Forces Operation SHADER, said: “I am devastated at the loss of Lance Corporal Freeman. He was a highly professional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer whose dedication to his friends, his sub-unit in the United Kingdom Mobility Company, and the wider Battalion represented the very best of his generation.
“Larger than life and magnetically charming, he was a trusted junior leader who naturally brought people together, forming a wide and fiercely loyal group of friends across the entire Op SHADER contingent.
“His absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void, and he will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege to serve alongside him. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.”
Captain Daniel Bradnam, Company Second-in-Command, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: “Lance Corporal Freeman was my go-to man – steadfastly dependable, unwaveringly professional, and a genuine joy to be around. He earned the respect and affection of everyone he met, and quick-witted humour never failed to brighten a room.
“I will always remember LCpl Freeman for his deep commitment and dedication to his family, whom he loved dearly and spoke about with great pride.
“It has been an absolute privilege to have commanded and served alongside LCpl Freeman. He will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all those in B (Suffolk) Company and will be sorely missed.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Lance Corporal James Freeman served our country with dedication, professionalism and pride. He was a greatly valued member of his regiment who will be deeply missed.
My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time. The tributes paid to James make clear he was an exceptional soldier, leader and friend.”