Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Corporal Jeremy Brookes, 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Iraq. He was commanding a Bulldog Armoured Vehicle involved in escorting a routine re-supply convoy in the Al Tuwaysa district of Basra when they came under attack and he was fatally wounded. Despite efforts to provide first aid and evacuate him to Basra Palace, he could not be saved. He had enlisted in the army in 2001, serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders said of him: “Corporal Brookes was an inspirational and much loved figure in the 4th Battalion. 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. 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. He died leading his beloved Riflemen in battle, inspiring, cajoling and striving for ever better standards to the last. He led by personal example and was one of the finest NCOs I have ever had the privilege and pleasure to serve with. He died doing what he loved and in life and in the manner of his death he set us all the very highest example of service to others, courage, decency, self-sacrifice and utter commitment. We will miss him dearly, and are so very proud to have served alongside him.” Jeremy, from Birmingham, was 28 years old.