KRISTEN TURTONKnown as 'Turts' to his peers, Trooper Kristen Turton was a loyal British soldier whose time in Iraq with the Catterick-based Queen's Royal Lancer's came to a tragic end with his death on 19 April, 2007.The 27-year-old Trooper had been driving a Scimitar Armoured Reconnaissance vehicle on a routine patrol early that morning, when it was struck by an improvised explosive device attack. The blast also killed commanding Corporal Ben Leaning and badly injured three other troop members.A trained sharp shooter and assault pioneer, Trooper Turton was also a generous, warm-hearted soul whose brilliant sense of humour and tireless commitment endeared him to his both peers and superiors.His death brought the total number of UK troops killed in the Iraqi conflict to 144.Trooper Kristen James Turton was born in Grimsby, 1979. Joining the Queen's Royal Lancers in the summer of 2003, he quickly rose through the ranks and, after going through the conversion to Formation Reconnaissance a year later, qualified for specialist training.He soon became a trained sharp shooter and assault pioneer, specialising in demolitions, as well as driving and maintenance.Well-lik ed throughout his squadron, the conflict in Iraq saw Trooper Turton become a self-appointed chef who always ensured that "everyone else had their food and a brew before he looked after himself."He had reportedly hoped to win a promotion later that year.On 18 April, Iraqi forces took control of security enforcement in the Southern Maysan province, where Trooper Turton's regiment was nearing the end of a six-week tour.A day later, whilst providing protection for a convoy, a roadside bomb killed the 27-year-old "family man". Corporal Leaning, who had been commanding the operation, was also killed and three injured soldiers were rushed to an airbase for medical treatment."An exceptional soldier," his Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Richard Nixon-Eckersall later recalled. "Selfless and committed, he strived for perfection in everything he did. His loss will be keenly felt across the Battle Group."A ceremony was held at RAF Lyneham a week later to mark his repatriation.His wife Sharon called him "the most amazing person I have ever met," while Major Charlie Bell said he was "a rock in his troop."A private family funeral service took place at Grimsby's North Cotes Churchyard.A memorial service was later held at Holton-le-Clay Church.
Keep me informed of updates
