A hard-nosed Army officer was close to tears as he paid tribute to his six colleagues killed in Iraq.

Commanding Officer of 156 Provost Company Royal Military Police, Major Bryn Parry-Jones spoke to a huddle of Press and national television crews outside their headquarters in Colchester

Close to tears - commanding officer of 156 Provost Company Royal Military Police, Major Bryn Parry-Jones. Picture: STEVE ARGENT

He said: "The loss of six soldiers from such a small tight-knit unit as 156 Provost Company clearly comes as a dreadful shock to us all, not only the friends and families of those killed, but all those in the Royal Military Police who knew and worked with them.

He added: "All these men were highly-professional soldiers and policemen. These deaths in action underline the challenging and difficult operations that the Royal Military Police are asked to undertake, both in peace and times of conflict.

"From the oldest, aged 41, to the youngest, aged 20, these soldiers had between them a wealth of operational experience and distinguished service."

"We ask our men and women to risk the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.

"It is the sad truth that sometimes comes to pass."

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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