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

Wire Reports | 3/22/03 | Wire Reports

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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.

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Colour Sergeant John Cecil RM

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It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm the following casualties suffered during operations:

At around midnight GMT on 21 March, a US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed south of the Kuwait border with US and UK personnel aboard; there were no survivors. Eight personnel from 3 Commando Brigade died in the accident, along with four US aircrew.

The names released are as follows:

Colour Sergeant John Cecil, Royal Marines, from Plymouth
Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Karl Evans, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, from Llandudno
Captain Philip Stuart Guy, Royal Marines
Marine Sholto Hedenskog, Royal Marines
Sergeant Les Hehir, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
Operator Mechanic (Communications) Second Class Ian Seymour, 148 Commando Battery Royal Artillery, RN
Warrant Officer Second Class Mark Stratford, Royal Marines
Major Jason Ward, Royal Marines

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At around 0130 GMT on 22 March, two Royal Navy Sea King Mk 7 Airborne Early Warning helicopters collided over the northern Arabian Gulf. There were no survivors from the six British and one US crew members aboard. The incident was not the result of enemy action.

The names released are as follows:

Lieutenant Philip D Green RN, 849 Squadron
Lieutenant Antony King RN, 849 Squadron, from Helston, Cornwall
Lieutenant Marc A Lawrence RN, 849 Squadron
Lieutenant Philip West RN, 849 Squadron, from Budock Water, Cornwall
Lieutenant James Williams RN, 849 Squadron, from Falmouth, Cornwall
Lieutenant Andrew S Wilson RN, 849 Squadron

The Commanding Officer of 849 Squadron asked for this letter to be published in response to all the messages of condolence received:

The early hours of 22 March 2003 marked a sad day in the proud history of 849 Naval Air Squadron. Two Sea King Mk 7 helicopters of 849 A Flight collided over the North Arabian Gulf, whilst conducting missions in support of coalition forces, with the loss of all seven crewmembers. As one can imagine, this tragic event has shocked and devastated everyone, not only the friends and loved ones of those involved but also of those associated in anyway with 849 Naval Air Squadron, the wider Fleet Air Arm community, and beyond.

Messages of condolence, support and sympathy began arriving early Saturday morning. Since then, Culdrose and 849 Squadron have been overwhelmed by the flow of tributes that continue to arrive. These have come from all quarters and include those close to fallen comrades, fellow aviators, members of the armed forces and from the general public. The strength and understanding that these messages convey cannot be underestimated; they have been, and continue to be, of enormous support not only to the friends and family of those involved, but to those still serving on A Flight and the 849 community as a whole. It will take time to respond personally to all the tributes, but be assured that all those associated with 849 Naval Air Squadron are eternally grateful and will draw great strength from them in the coming weeks and months.

Despite such horrendous losses, 849 A Flight remain in theatre and continue to execute vital missions in support of Gulf operations. The 'Eyes of the Fleet' may have dimmed briefly but they remain open, alert and ever vigilant. Finally, to our fallen comrades from 849 A Flight we say: Rest in peace in the knowledge that your professionalism, dedication and ultimate sacrifice will never go unrecognised or be forgotten.

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On 23 March, 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. Both aircrew were killed. The next of kin have been informed.

They have been named as:

Flight Lieutenant Kevin Barry Main, Pilot, IX (B) Squadron
Flight Lieutenant David Rhys Williams, Navigator, IX (B) Squadron

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Two British soldiers were reported missing, believed killed, after an attack on British military vehicles in southern Iraq on 23 March:

Sapper Luke Allsopp, 33 (EOD) Engineer Regiment, from North London
Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth, 33 (EOD) Engineer Regiment, from Essex

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A soldier was killed in action near Al Zubayr near Basrah on 24 March. His details are as follows:


Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, from Bradford in West Yorkshire

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On 24 March, a soldier from 1st Battalion The Black Watch was killed in action near Al Zubayr. His next of kin have been informed. His details are as follows:

Lance Corporal Barry Stephen, from Perth

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On 25 March, two soldiers from the Queen's Royal Lancers were killed when their Challenger 2 tank was accidentally hit by another Challenger 2 during a period of multiple engagements with Iraqi enemy forces. The two men have been named as:

Corporal Stephen John Allbutt, from Stoke-on-Trent
Trooper David Jeffrey Clarke, from Littleworth, Staffordshire
Colonel Chris Vernon, spokesman for British Land Forces in the Gulf, said:

"It is with deep regret that I have to announce the death of two soldiers from the Queen's Royal Lancers operating a Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. The soldiers were killed last night in a friendly fire incident with another British Challenger during a period of multiple engagements with Iraqi enemy forces on the outskirts of Basrah. Regardless of thorough training, careful planning, excellent night vision equipment and combat identification measures, in the type of operation in which we were engaged, and in the heat of battle, there is always a risk that incidents such as this may occur. The land forces in the Middle East extend their sincerest condolences to the families of the soldiers, and the members of the Regiment. Two other soldiers were seriously injured, and have undergone surgery."

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UK Ministry of Defense website link with the released names of their fallen heroes:

http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/evans.htm

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Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Karl Evans


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Llywelyn Karl Evans, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. He was 24 years old and from Llandudno

Nicknamed 'Welly', he had been in the army since 1996, passing through ATR Pirbright and after completing training at Larkhill sucessfully completed the Commando Course in December 1996. He had served in Sierra Leone and Afghainistan. He was engaged to Miss Rebecca Williams and his younger brother is serving in the same unit.

His father, Gordon Evans, gave the following statement:

"On behalf of my whole family, I wish to say that we are all devastated by the loss of our son Llywelyn Karl Evans. Whilst we are deeply saddened, we are, and always will be proud of him. We would like to thank all of the family, friends and local people for their flowers and messages of support. This has given us great strength."

Major John Francis is Families Officer with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at its Plymouth base. He said:

"The loss of three fine members is acutely felt by us all. That they served with the same Battery only heightens the sense of grief. Together with the deaths of our two Army personnel Sergeant Hehir and Lance Bombardier Evans we mourn also for Ian Seymour, a naval rating who had been with 29 Commando since 1999 and was very much a part of Regiment life. Our thoughts remain very much with their families at this time."

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

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Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Karl Evans

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Sergeant Les Hehir

It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm the death of Sergeant Les Hehir (pronounced 'HEAR'), of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. Aged 34, Les was married, with two sons, and lived in Poole, Dorset.

Major John Francis is Families Officer with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at its Plymouth base. He said:

"The loss of three fine members is acutely felt by us all. That they served with the same Battery only heightens the sense of grief. Together with the deaths of our two Army personnel Sergeant Hehir and Lance Bombardier Evans we mourn also for Ian Seymour, a naval rating who had been with 29 Commando since 1999 and was very much a part of Regiment life. Our thoughts remain very much with their families at this time."

The media are requested to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time.

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Sergeant Les Hehir

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Major Jason George Ward RM


http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=101955&command=displayContent&sourceNode=99871&contentPK=4907455

CITY HERO AMONG WAR VICTIMS

12:00 - 28 March 2003

A Royal Marine who died in a helicopter crash during the war in Iraq lived in Exeter, it was revealed today.

Major Jason Ward, 34, was described by his family as "a truly amazing man".

Maj Ward, who lived in the Heavitree area of the city, was among eight Royal Marines and four US servicemen who died when their helicopter crashed in Kuwait last Friday. A friend and former fellow Royal Marine told the Echo: "He was born to be a marine.

"He was hugely well-liked and respected and committed to his career - he never considered ever doing anything else.

"He was never happier than when he was out in the Gulf serving his country."

His family said in a statement yesterday: ''Jason was the epitome of a Royal Marine.

"He was respected and revered by all who knew him.

"He volunteered for any type of active service and had worked all around the world.

''As a consequence we have had condolences from every continent. The message the same on all of them - 'Jason was truly an amazing man, an inspirational leader, dedicated professional and the best friend that you could wish for'."

The family said: ''He revelled in his job and would not have swapped his place on board the helicopter with anyone.

''He was proud to lead his troops into battle rather than follow from behind. We truly believe that the success of the operation was, in part, due to his involvement, in its planning, and that many marines owe their lives to his committed leadership."

Maj Ward's family said he always cared for the man in the uniform rather than the rank the man held, and was always prepared to say if he thought things were not right, many times at personal cost.

''We will miss him terribly, choosing to believe that he had, once again, volunteered for more active service that, this time, has taken him to a far-flung corner of the globe where in his selfless style he is still doing his part for Queen and country. Every day doing what he does best - being a Major in the Royal Marines."

Maj Ward's family continued: ''He led a charmed life, everyone who met him took to him instantly.

''We are sure that there are many who will celebrate his life. It has been a privilege to have been able to call him son, brother, friend and 'mucker'.

''He was truly an amazing man."

Jason, a former pupil of Plymouth College, had always wanted to be in the Royal Marines and had been in the corps for 15 years.

His family said: ''We would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt sorrow to all the families of those brave men who perished in the tragic accident, and to all who have lost someone dear to them at this time of conflict.

''Our thoughts are with the marines and soldiers still fighting in Iraq that Jason cared for so deeply, and to their family and friends. We wish them success and God speed for their safe return to their loved ones."

A friend and former colleague, who did not want to be named, said Maj Ward had been living in Exeter at the time of his deployment to the Gulf.

Maj Ward had previously lived in Lympstone while serving at the Commando Training Centre. He went on to be part of 3 Commando based at Stonehouse, Plymouth.

"Jason was the quintessential Royal Marine - he was born to it," said the friend.

"If you were to cut him in half you would have seen the Royal Marines' colours running through him."

His friend remembered how the pair had joined up together in May 1988.

He recalled that while other marines left the forces to pursue other careers, Maj Ward had carried on in the role which he believed was his destiny.

His friend remembered Maj Ward's "unique character".

When flowers were placed at Stonehouse in tribute to the Royal Marines who died in the helicopter crash, Jason's friends decided that bouquets were not appropriate.

He said: "His colleagues thought flowers were just not his scene so they decided to remember him with a tin of baked beans - because he loved them so much.

"But when they got there, someone else had already done it."

His former colleague said Maj Ward's dedication to his career would be remembered by all who had known him.

"To get into the Royal Marines and to stay on is a vocational calling. Jason never saw himself as anything other than a Royal Marines officer.

"His death is a great loss."

He had been travelling to the Al Faw peninsula at the time of the fatal crash from which there were no survivors.

Maj Ward was being deployed as part of the early Allied push to secure an oil pumping station and pipeline.

Shortly after the crash, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had expressed his condolences to the families of those involved.

He said: "This is an illustration of the risks which our very brave young men and women face when going into active service."

A Royal Marine spokesman said, following the accident, that the troops had been part of the successful action to secure oil installations in Southern Iraq in a joint operation with US forces.

It is understood the twin-rotor Sea Knight helicopter had experienced mechanical failure while in flight.

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Major Jason George Ward RM

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Lieutenant Antony King

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Lieutenant James Williams

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Corporal Stephen John Allbutt

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Lieutenant Andrew Wilson


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Andrew Wilson of the Royal Navy is missing, presumed killed, following the collision of two Mk 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASAC) helicopters 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.

Lieutenant Andrew Wilson, was aged 36 and a pilot. His wife, Sarah, said that she was devastated and saddened by her tragic loss, but intensely proud of her husband's commitment to the Royal Navy. She added that Andrew was an extremely kind and outgoing person who will be greatly missed by his family, his squadron colleagues and by the wider Naval Aviation community.

Fellow aircrew on 849 Squadron in which Andrew had served for the past three years said that Andy had been a powerful personality within the squadron and that his death leaves a void which will not be easily filled.

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Lieutenant Andrew Wilson

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Sapper Luke Allsopp


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Sapper Luke Allsopp, 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). Aged 24, Sapper Allsopp came from North London.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Troulan, the Commanding Officer of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), issued the following statement:

"Luke Allsopp was a very capable individual who was well liked within the Squadron, and a valued team member. He had served within bomb disposal in Cyprus and Kenya. He leaves behind a loving family and girlfriend, Katy. The family have been informed and we are giving them as much support as we can through this difficult time."

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

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Sapper Luke Allsopp

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Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth


It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). Aged 36, Staff Sergeant Cullingworth came from Essex and was married with two sons.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Troulan, the Commanding Officer of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), issued the following statement:

"SSgt Cullingworth was an extremely experienced soldier who was in line for promotion and whose dedication to duty and professionalism won him the respect of everyone he served with. This was his third tour of duty with the Regiment; he had already served as a Bomb Disposal Officer in the Balkans and Afghanistan. He leaves behind his wife Allison and two young sons aged 8 and 3.

"The family has been informed and we are giving them as much support as we can through this difficult time."

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

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Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth

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Trooper David Clarke

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Captain Philip Stuart Guy, Royal Marines


http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=101955&command=displayContent&sourceNode=99871&contentPK=4852532

PHILIP WAS A 'TRUE HERO' SAYS WIDOW

BY KATHARINE BARKER

The widow of a Devon Royal Marine killed in a helicopter crash over the Kuwaiti desert says he died a true hero.

And today, Helen Guy, who is due to give birth to their second child in two weeks, paid tribute to her ''perfect, loving, special husband".

Captain Philip Guy, 29, was one of eight servicemen from Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade who died in the crash on Saturday morning.

Mrs Guy, from Yelverton, near Okehampton, said he was the best husband and father she could have wished for.

The couple also have a 20-month-old son, Henry.

''He was the most brave, courageous man you could ever imagine; tough and steadfast, honest and true," she added.

''All he ever wanted to do was to provide for us, to be a good husband to me, and father to Henry and our unborn child.

''I know he died a true hero. He died for his Queen and country and to make the world a safer, better place for us to live in, for his children to grow up in.

''Our love and pride was always with him and he knew that. He died surrounded by our love and we will never ever forget what a truly wonderful man he was."

From their family home in the Yorkshire Dales, Capt Guy's parents, Stuart and Anne, spoke of their loss.

''He was a very brave and courageous soldier and will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him," his mother said.

His parents, and his brother, Ian, farm at Ribba Hall, Bishopdale.

Capt Guy was a former pupil of the Wensleydale School. He joined the Royal Marines in 1995 after graduating with a BA from Salford University.

He was a very fit and keen sportsman and represented the university at football and the Marines at long distance running.

At the end of the long training in the Corps, he won the Marine Medal, an award for courage and unselfishness voted for by his fellow batch officers. He was qualified as a paratrooper and in mountain and arctic warfare, spending several weeks every year training in Norway.

During the past five years, he served in Bosnia during the Balkan crisis, where he gained the Bosnia medal, and then in Afghanistan, where his troop searched the caves for arms.

He had spent the last six weeks in Kuwait.