The last full ceremonial repatriation of a British soldier killed in Iraq was due to take place today.
Private Andrew Kelly, 18, a member of 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, died in what is believed to have been a shooting accident at Army barracks in Basra, southern Iraq.
His body will be flown today to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, where a full repatriation ceremony will take place before family and Armed Forces top brass.
Pte Kelly, of Tavistock, Devon, is the 34th member of British forces to have died during the Iraq war.
The 3rd Battalion held a private memorial service for Pte Kelly in Iraq.
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Lowe, Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, said his death was especially tragic.
"It had always been Andy's ambition to be a Parachute Regiment soldier and he was welcomed from the moment he arrived. He had just started to make new friends and settle down into post-war operations.
"Andy was quiet but confident and likeable. He was very polite and carried out his job in the professional manner expected from a member of the British Army on operations.
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
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