JEREMY BROOKESBritish soldier Jeremy Brookes, who was killed on duty in Iraq on 21 May, 2007, was described by his commanding officer “as a charismatic and natural leader”.CorporalBroo kes served with the 4th Battalion The Rifles and died as a result of injuries sustained during a small fires attack on his company in Basra city.The 28-year-old, from Birmingham, was on patrol in the Al Tuwaysa region of Basra city, and in command of a Bulldog armoured vehicle, escorting a convoy, when it came under attack. He became the 149th British Soldier to die in Iraq since March 2003.Cpl Brookes joined the Army in 2001 serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets. After six years service The Royal Green Jackets merged with another three regiments resulting in the 4th Battalion The Rifles.Born in 1978, CplBrookes was a keen runner and had achieved a lifelong ambition of competing in the Marathon Des Sables, in the demanding heat of the Sahara desert.He had been planning on extending his hobby after his tour of Iraq, and viewed a 300km Arctic marathon as the perfect challenge."Jeremy died doing his job of work, a job that he enjoyed. We are all very proud of him,” said his family in a statement.Close friend Corporal Steve Pallett said: “Even when he was being serious he used to laugh. He'd do anything for you. King Jez was never wrong. He was just a character – you'd never get another Brooksy.”Commanding officer of 4th Battalion The Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders said: “Corporal Brookes was an inspirational and much loved figure in the 4th Battalion The Rifles.“An outstanding Rifleman, a charismatic and natural leader, a sportsman of exceptional talent and determination, and a warm, wickedly funny and generous man, he was in all respects larger than life and an example to us all.”The driver for Cpl Brookes, Rifleman Brett Campbell said: “In this action, as ever, he thought of everyone else but himself first. He told me and the top cover sentries to get down into cover, covering us as we did so. His selfless commitment was legendary.”Another colleague Cpl Rizzer Smith said: “Since Iraq came up, Jez was my battle partner. We would cover each other and no matter what would do our tasks together. He was always for his blokes.”Major James Bryant, Commander of Cpl Brookes Company said: “Corporal Brookes, Jez, was one of the most professional soldiers and junior commanders I have had the real pleasure of serving with.“He was a quick, bright and ambitious Brum who harboured a wish to become an Apache helicopter pilot, though I think that he would have been perfectly happy commanding his section for ever – he was at his best when leading his Riflemen in tough conditions and he always seemed to just come out on top.”Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders added: “He was incapable of doing anything by half-measures and lived his life to the full, constantly seeking new challenges to overcome.“I never saw him admit defeat in anything and his determination, vigour and sheer zest for life was a personal inspiration.Adam Ingram, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, said: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Corporal Brookes' family, friends, and colleagues.“Our Service personnel are doing an incredible job in Iraq and the loss of such a dedicated and professional soldier is particularly sad news - Corporal Brookes' fine service to our country will not be forgotten."
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