Names, Stories, and Pictures of the Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Wire Reports | 3/22/03 | Wire Reports

[Diddle E. Squat]

Names of the four US Marines who died in yesterday's helicopter crash:

Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine

Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of Bloomington, Ill.

Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston, Texas

Staff Sgt. Kendall Damon Watersbey, 29, of Baltimore, Md.

The Pentagon has just released the names of two more US Marines who were killed in Iraq. I'll post as soon as I find that.

[P.O.E.]

Link to article about Capt. Seifert:

'He chose to live with honor'

[Diddle E. Squat]

Fallen British Brothers:

Lieutenant James Williams

Lieutenant Philip West

Lieutenant Antony King

Lieutenant Philip Green

Flight Lieutenant Kevin Main

Flight Lieutenant Dave Williams

Lance Corporal Barry Stephen

Sergeant Steven Roberts

Captain Philip Guy

Colour Sergeant John Cecil

Lance Corporal Llywelyn Evans

Corporal Stephen John Allbutt

Trooper David Jeffrey Clarke

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lieutenant Antony King


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Antony King was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

Tony, who joined the Royal Navy in 1987 at the age of 19, had recently been selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. A committed family man he lived with his wife Sarah and children David (5) and Molly (4) in their home in Helston. Tony valued his family and close friends above all else and his loss to them all has been devastating.

Tony and Sarah's families live in North Somerset where they both grew up. Following training as a Sea King Observer Tony was awarded his wings in 1990. In 1991 Tony served in HMS Ark Royal during the last Gulf War and was awarded the Gulf War Medal. Upon his return he joined the 849 Squadron HQ staff at Culdrose and in 1994 he married Sarah at their parish church in Somerset. In 1996 Tony deployed to the Adriatic and was again awarded a campaign medal for his service.

His son David was born in 1997 followed by the birth of Molly in 1999. Although the family have made several moves to further Tony's career they have always regarded Helston as home. They purchased their dream house in 2001 and, with the help of his best friend, Tony took up the art of DIY. The family are closely connected with St Michael's Church Primary School where Sarah was a teacher (now a governor) and their son David is a pupil.


Tony's family described him as a "larger than life" character with a "tremendous presence". He had a passion for rugby and as a young man had captained the Yatton Colts. In more recent years he has played for Stithians. Popular with his squadron Tony's colleagues were delighted by the news of his forthcoming promotion and considered it well deserved.

Tony has left all who his life touched with affectionate and happy memories. Sarah summed him up by saying, "Tony made people laugh".

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lieutenant Philip West RN


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Philip West was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

Phil, aged 32, lived in Budock Water with his fiancée Nicky who works as a nurse at Treliske hospital. The couple were due to be married in August this year and had been converting a barn together.

As a boy Phil lived in Carlisle, moving when he was 10 to Hoy Lake on the Wirral. He went to Salford University when he was 18 and joined the University Royal Naval Unit where he developed his interest in the RN. Having obtained his degree he joined Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1992 and commenced officer training. His parents recall how he had always wanted to fly and his decision to join the service made them extremely proud. Following Sea King Observer training he gained his wings in 1994. Phil served in HMS Invincible during the Adriatic deployment of 1996 and was awarded the campaign medal for his service.

Nicky and Phil met in Falmouth in 1998 when he was serving at RNAS Culdrose. Since settling in the region Phil, much to the amusement of his family, had become quite a countryman. He loved his dog Georgie and Nicky's four horses. Nicky's parents Steve and Sandra, who live in Budock Water, adopted him into their family and Steve introduced him to the game of golf of which he became a devotee.

Both families were looking forward to celebrating the couple's marriage in August and his tragic loss is so hard to bear. However, they have all been overwhelmed by the tremendous support that they have received from friends and family which is proving a great comfort.

Phil was known throughout 849 as "Stretch" on account of his height (6'4"). He was admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and always put those he was with at their ease. Nicky described him as, "patient, thoughtful and considerate." All those who were close to him miss him greatly.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lieutenant James Williams RN


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant James Williams was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

James was the much-loved son of Vernon and Liz. He grew up in Winchester with his older sister Caroline. In 1994 he went to Liverpool University where he met his fiancée Sarah. James joined the Royal Navy in January 1999 and trained as a Sea King Observer. He was awarded his wings in July 2002. He joined 849 A Flight in January this year.

James was a very popular character in the Squadron, he and Sarah have many good friends, who are now providing tremendous support at this difficult time. They chose to settle in Falmouth where Sarah intends to practice as a dentist. The deployment to the Gulf was his first operational tour of duty. He was 28.

From an early age James had been fascinated by aircraft, he joined the Royal Navy in fulfilment of an ambition to fly and to serve his country. His parents recall how proud he was to wear his uniform and said that he died doing the job he loved most.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Flight Lieutenant Kev Main


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Flight Lieutenant Kev Main was killed when an RAF GR4 Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham, which was returning from an operational mission, was engaged near the Kuwaiti border by a Patriot missile battery.

At the family's request, no further details will be made available. We request that the media respect this decision.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Flight Lieutenant Dave Williams


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Flight Lieutenant Dave Williams was killed when an RAF GR4 Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham, which was returning from an operational mission, was engaged near the Kuwaiti border by a Patriot missile battery.

At the family's request, no further details will be made available. We request that the media respect this decision.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts



It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed in action near Al Zubayr, south west of Basrah, on 24 March. Sergeant Roberts was aged 33, was raised in Cornwall, and had latterly lived in Bradford in West Yorkshire. He was married, and had a child from a previous marriage. His family have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Piers Harkinson, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, gave this statement:

"'TC', as he was known, had a full and varied career in the Regiment. He joined the army in the summer of 1986 as a Junior Leader, during his training he excelled in all aspects of military life including sports. He left Junior Leaders in the summer of 1987 having reached the rank of Junior Sergeant and also held the Regimental Team Colours in rugby and Individual Colours in squash.

"He joined the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in August 1987. TC gained promotion very quickly and continued to demonstrate the potential he had for soldiering. On amalgamation between the 2nd and 3rd Royal Tank Regiments he was already a Corporal and was clearly ahead of his peers. He had tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Canada. In January 2002 he finished a two year posting working as an instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate training new recruits.

"TC continued his love of sport, and represented both the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and later the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment in rugby and squash. TC was an all-round professional soldier. A first class tank commander, a strong and affective leader with great depth or character who excelled under pressure. He will be sadly missed by all ranks, past and present, 3rd and 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

"All of us in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment send their deepest sympathies to his wife and family.

His wife, Mrs Samantha Roberts, issued the following statement:

"Steve's whole future lay within the Army; it was his life and he was very proud of his job. He was adamant that he was doing the right thing and said that he was doing it for the people back home and the Iraqi people. He was a unique man, who was very outgoing and sociable, and was loved by all who met him.

"I have been inundated by phone calls from people who knew him, who have been shocked and sorry to hear the news. We loved each other deeply - he is totally irreplaceable."

His mother, Mrs Marion Chapman, said:

"Steve loved Cornwall - this was where he was born and brought up. He always took a Cornish flag with him everywhere. He was the best son anyone could have. He made us laugh, he was the most perfect son ever. All his families and friends will really miss him."

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lance Corporal Baz Stephen


The Ministry of Defence regrets to announce the death of Lance Corporal Baz Stephen, who was 31 and from Perth. He was a member of 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, and was serving with his regiment in Southern Iraq when he was killed in action on Monday 24 March while on operation near Al Zubayr.

Lance Corporal Stephen joined 1st Battalion, The Black Watch in January 1997 and served in Northern Ireland, Germany and the UK. Between 2000 and 2002, he was a member of The Black Watch's Regimental Recruiting Team, based in Perth. He was then called back to his Regiment in Fallingbostel, Germany, to rejoin the mortar platoon.

Lance Corporal Stephen's family has asked Sergeant Mark Hudson of The Black Watch, a close family friend, to issue the following statement on their behalf:

"I know I speak for Barry's family and all of his many friends when I say that we are absolutely devastated to learn of his death. He was a wonderful husband and son as well as a great friend. I know he was very proud to be a soldier and to wear the Red Hackle. He loved the army, and both his family and I take some comfort from knowing that he died a hero, doing the job he loved. We will miss him dreadfully."

The family have stated that they do not wish to speak to the media directly and that their privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lance Corporal Baz Stephen

[Diddle E. Squat]

Corporal Stephen John Allbutt


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Corporal Stephen John Allbutt of the Queen's Royal Lancers. Aged 35, Corporal Allbutt came from Stoke-on-Trent and was married with two children.

Corporal Allbutt joined the 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers in 1989, and saw action on Operation Desert Storm in early 1991. After the Regiment was amalgamated into the present Queen's Royal Lancers, he deployed on operations in Bosnia on three separate occasions, while developing his career as a Non Commissioned Officer in an armoured regiment.

Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Fattorini, the QRL commanding officer, said:

"Stephen Allbutt will be remembered as an immensely dedicated and competent NCO who was accordingly respected by his peers. Nothing was too difficult, displaying a "can do" attitude and a reassuringly dry sense of humour. He was a passionate Stoke City FC supporter, and a keen all-round sportsman. He had a very promising career, having been identified as a strong candidate for promotion to Sergeant next year. He will be sorely missed by all ranks of the Queen's Royal Lancers."

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Trooper David Jeffrey Clarke


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm the death of Trooper David Jeffrey Clarke of the Queen's Royal Lancers. Aged 19, Trooper Clarke was single and came from Littleworth in Staffordshire. He joined D Squadron of The Queen's Royal Lancers in February 2002, and immediately deployed to Kosovo on peace support operations. having had a thoroughly rewarding tour, he volunteered to augment C Squadron for their deployment to the Gulf.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Fattorini, said:

"In the short time he served with the Queen's Royal Lancers, Trooper Clarke proved himself to be a diligent and popular soldier. He was a keen athlete with a zest for life. A man with evident potential, he was quickly noticed for his proactive approach to soldiering. This has been a tragic loss of a young man who had a promising career ahead of him. He will be greatly missed by all members of the Regiment."

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Prayers for the fallen heroes and their families.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Out of respect, I don't believe a post such as #95 belongs on this thread.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Lieutenant Phillip West

[happygrl]

Thanks for your service in posting these links and biographies of these men.

They are heroes, each one, for putting themselves at risk for our safety and security.

TAPS

[Vigilantcitizen]

Morning Prayers for the fallen heroes and their families.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Air National Guard Major Gregory Stone, 40, of Boise, Idaho