thedrifter
11-05-03, 06:38 PM
Royal Marine gunned down in Iraq
A Royal Marine has been killed by hostile fire during a military operation in Iraq.
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, from Poole, Dorset, died on October 31 but his death had not been announced by the Ministry of Defence.
A Government spokesman said there was no further information about the nature of the incident which claimed the corporal's life.
The killing of Corporal Plank brings Britain's total death toll in Iraq to 52. Of those, 19 have been killed since the end of major combat operations on May 1.
Colonel Jerry Heal, director of the Royal Marines, said: "Ian Plank was an extremely popular and greatly admired member of the Royal Marines, widely respected for his professional excellence, commitment and determination.
"He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were especially valued."
A spokesman for Tony Blair added: "The Prime Minister is obviously deeply saddened.
"We have always been aware that the work that our troops do in Iraq is both dangerous and valuable, and the Prime Minister has always been very aware of the risks that our soldiers run at the same time as he believes their work is highly to be valued."
Story filed: 17:29 Tuesday 4th November 2003
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_835445.html
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
A Royal Marine has been killed by hostile fire during a military operation in Iraq.
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, from Poole, Dorset, died on October 31 but his death had not been announced by the Ministry of Defence.
A Government spokesman said there was no further information about the nature of the incident which claimed the corporal's life.
The killing of Corporal Plank brings Britain's total death toll in Iraq to 52. Of those, 19 have been killed since the end of major combat operations on May 1.
Colonel Jerry Heal, director of the Royal Marines, said: "Ian Plank was an extremely popular and greatly admired member of the Royal Marines, widely respected for his professional excellence, commitment and determination.
"He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were especially valued."
A spokesman for Tony Blair added: "The Prime Minister is obviously deeply saddened.
"We have always been aware that the work that our troops do in Iraq is both dangerous and valuable, and the Prime Minister has always been very aware of the risks that our soldiers run at the same time as he believes their work is highly to be valued."
Story filed: 17:29 Tuesday 4th November 2003
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_835445.html
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: