The flag flew at half mast outside the headquarters of Colchester's Red Caps today.

The Garrison and the whole town was in shock at news that six Royal Military Police officers had been killed in Iraq.

The flag flies at half mast at the headquarters of Colchester's Red Caps Picture: EVENING GAZETTE

All six dead were from 156 Provost Company - the youngest was in their 20s and oldest an unmarried sergeant in his 40s. The others were two married corporals, a single corporal and two unmarried lance-corporals.

Tony Blair told Prime Minister's Question Time in the House of Commons today: "The whole country and their families can be immensely proud of them even as they mourn them."

The names of the six soldiers killed in Iraq are:

Corporal Paul Graham Long, from Colchester

Sergeant Simon Alexander Hamilton-Jewell, from Chessington

Corporal Russell Aston, from Swadlincote

Corporal Simon Miller, from Tyne and Wear

Lance-Corporal Benjamin John McGowan Hyde, from Northallerton

Lance-Corporal Thomas Richard Keys, from Bala.

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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