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05/11/2003
UK special forces soldier confirmed dead in Iraq firefight
A British special forces soldier has been killed during a firefight in Iraq, it has been confirmed.
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, was among a group of SBS and SAS soldiers attacking an Al Qaida training camp believed to be in northern Iraq when he shot and killed last Friday. Four other British soldiers have been reported as injured during the exchange. Due to "operational reasons", the MoD only confirmed his death last night.
Corporal Plank, from Poole in Dorset, was a member of the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service.
Colonel Jerry Heal, the Director Royal Marines, said that Ian Plank was an "extremely popular and greatly admired" soldier.
He added: "He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were especially valued. He embodied all the personal and professional qualities associated with the Royal Marines and he enriched the lives of those who knew him, both socially and in the work place.
"His positive outlook, bright disposition and zest for life will be remembered with deep pride and affection by all who knew him, and most of all by his family and those members of the Royal Marines and others with whom he served around the world."
Britain has now lost a total of 52 personnel since the beginning of hostilities in March.
(gmcg)
Corporal Ian Plank, 31, was among a group of SBS and SAS soldiers attacking an Al Qaida training camp believed to be in northern Iraq when he shot and killed last Friday. Four other British soldiers have been reported as injured during the exchange. Due to "operational reasons", the MoD only confirmed his death last night.
Corporal Plank, from Poole in Dorset, was a member of the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service.
Colonel Jerry Heal, the Director Royal Marines, said that Ian Plank was an "extremely popular and greatly admired" soldier.
He added: "He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were especially valued. He embodied all the personal and professional qualities associated with the Royal Marines and he enriched the lives of those who knew him, both socially and in the work place.
"His positive outlook, bright disposition and zest for life will be remembered with deep pride and affection by all who knew him, and most of all by his family and those members of the Royal Marines and others with whom he served around the world."
Britain has now lost a total of 52 personnel since the beginning of hostilities in March.
(gmcg)
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