British soldier killed in Iraq training exercise was 'devoted family-man'

A British soldier who was killed in a training exercise in northern Iraq has been remembered as “a lover of the outdoors” and “a devoted family-man”.

Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman, 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, died on Sunday during a joint training exercise in Erbil with the US, the Ministry of Defence said.

Defence Secretary John Healey said Freeman served the country “with dedication, professionalism and pride”, adding: “My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.”

The US Army issued a statement on Monday confirming one of its soldiers also died in the exercise.

The MoD said Freeman joined the Army in 2016 and had served in South Sudan, Cyprus, Iraq, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya.

He served as a rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner and his most recent appointment was as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon.

“He was deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him,” the MoD stated.

“A lover of the outdoors, he would often go clay pigeon shooting and regularly share stories about shooting with his dad.

“Above all, he was a devoted family-man and never passed up on the opportunity to share that with his peers.”

Colonel James WHM Bishop, commander of the British forces SHADER operation in Iraq, said Freeman was “larger than life and magnetically charming”.

“His absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void, and he will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege to serve alongside him.”

Corporal William S Thorpe also paid tribute, describing Freeman as “my best friend”.

“A man who was committed to achieving any task before him to the highest standard and always professional, but also someone to talk to in confidence, either for advice or, most often, for a moan.

“I do not believe I would be where I am today without him.”