Operator Mechanic (Communications) Second Class Ian Seymour, 148 Commando Battery Royal Artillery, RN
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12767828&method=full&siteid=86024 WAR IN THE GULF: FAREWELL TO THEIR HERO IN A NOTE STAINED WITH TEARS
Billy Paterson
A TEAR-stained photograph of a proud dad and his beautiful wife and son revealed the first British victim of the Gulf War yesterday.
The family picture was attached to a floral tribute laid in memory of Royal Marine Ian Seymour, 28, who was among the eight commandos killed in the first helicopter tragedy of the war.
A message from his grieving wife Lainne, 27, and five-year-old son Beck read: "Daddy I love you loads, so does Mummy. We will miss you always. Lots of love from your baby bear and Tinkler Bell".
Ian was the first victim to be named as the British death toll in the Gulf rose to 14 yesterday after six Royal Navy servicemen died when two helicopters collided in mid-air.
An American officer was also killed when two Sea King helicopters crashed in the accidental collision five miles from Britain's flagship, HMS Ark Royal.
Six Americans have been so far been reported killed in combat, while a three-strong ITN camera crew were missing in a battle zone last night.
The incident happened a day after eight Royal Marine commandos and four US marines died when an American CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed in northern Kuwait.
The father-in-law of Ian Seymour revealed how the fallen hero doggedly overcame a knee problem to finally gain his coveted Green Beret after several attempts.
Geoffrey Granville, his wife Christine and their other daughter Lorraine, 22, spoke as they laid a floral tribute to Ian who was killed early Friday morning.
He said: "He was a fine lad. All we know is that we have lost a son-in- law. He was just great. We miss him already.
"He was a guy who was full of life. He was a brilliant son-in-law."
According to Geoffrey, Ian was a perfect family man. He said: "His son was the be all and end all."
Geoffrey said he and his wife found out about the tragedy after Lainne, who lives in Poole, Dorset, rang them at their Plymouth home just before 6pm on Friday.
Geoffrey added: "We have no idea why it took so long for them to tell her.
"The worst thing about it is that he wasn't killed in the heat of battle. I can't say how he would feel about that."
Geoffrey said that Ian had always wanted to be in the Marines and they were extremely proud at what he had achieved.
"It took two or three attempts for Ian to get his Green Beret, as he had a knee problem. He was very proud when he got it and so was everyone else," said Geoffrey.
"It was his dream job. He had always wanted to do it.
"He did not say a lot about his work. He knew he had a job to do. He was very quiet. He was a great guy. I am proud of him."
Geoffrey and Christine laid flowers outside the Stonehouse barracks in Plymouth as a tribute to Ian. They put down two bunches of flowers, which each included a photograph of their son-in-law.
Their messages read: "To Ian, our son-in- law. Will miss you loads, love mum and dad. Goodnight, god bless you."