DANIEL LEE COFFEYDaniel Lee Coffey, who died on 27 February, 2007, aged 21, while serving in Iraq, showed undoubted ability as a soldier.Rifleman Coffey, of 10 Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, was on his second tour of Iraq having already completed a duty of service in the country in 2006.His positive outlook ensured "he fitted within the platoon straight away and was liked by his peers."During a routine patrol in North Basra Rifleman Coffey had been returning to a military base when he was fatally wounded in an ambushed attack. He had only been in Iraq for a month having arrived as a member of The Rifles in January 2007.Before his work in Basra, Rifleman Coffey had lived in the UK with his family.Born on 8 July, 1985, in Exeter , he enlisted in the Army in August 2005 shortly after celebrating his 20th birthday. His early enthusiasm for the role was displayed during infantry training in Catterick before joining the Devon and Dorset Light Infantry in February 2006.Within weeks of his successful induction Rifleman Coffey arrived in Iraq with his infantry, ready to complete operations in and around Basra. He returned to the UK in late 2006 after completing a successful tour. Rifleman Coffey returned to Iraq in 2007 this time as a member of The Rifles.While providing protection for others in his platoon as well as mentoring the Iraqi police during a patrol in North Basra, Rifleman Coffey was shot and wounded in an ambush on the group by two gunmen.He received immediate medical attention and was flown to a military hospital where he later died from his injuries. Rifleman Coffey was the first Rifleman to be killed in action in Iraq and became the 133rd member of the British armed forces to be killed in Iraq since 2003.His grandfather, David Godfrey, paid tribute to his grandson saying: "He was a hero in what he did. His brothers worshipped him. He was good, kind and considerate, and always thinking of others before himself. You could not ask for a better son or grandson."We are so proud of him and I think this country should be proud of all the youngsters who choose the armed forces as a career."Company Commander Major Michael Foster Brown said: "He fitted in very quickly, winning everyone's respect and admiration, not least for his sense of humour and his enthusiasm for soldiering."He was patriotic, as evident by his vocal support for England in any sport, and was a good football player. His nicknames included 'Beaney', named after Mr Bean the TV character and 'John' after a character with a similar surname in the film the Green Mile."Rifleman Coffey had the qualities of a good rifleman: hard-working, thorough, quick-witted, brave, adventurous and with maybe just a hint of cheekiness. With these qualities he had strong potential for the future. We will miss him and we feel for his family."Rifleman Ian Lewis of 11 Platoon served with him in the Devon and Dorset Light Infantry. He said: "Rifleman Coffey was the best friend I made in the Army. The one thing I will remember the most was his integrity and the way he never complained about anything he had to do. We had made plans to live together after the Army. One thing I know is true that I am going to miss him dearly. He is a big loss to the Army and to society."Rifleman Douglas Brady of 10 Platoon and friend to Rifleman Coffey added: "Dan was one of the best soldiers I have ever met and a loyal friend. If I was down he knew and would always get a smile out of me. We spent many times together in the dirt during attacks together and although we were scared he found humour in it."Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "The death of Rifleman Coffey is deeply saddening. The fact that he volunteered for a second tour of duty, so shortly after returning from Iraq , is testament to his courage and devotion. I am sure he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this difficult time."
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