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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.

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.

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.