Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Private Johnathon Wysoczan from 4 Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment, died as a result of injuries he had sustained during a patrol in South Basra, Iraq. His vehicle had been tasked to investigate a possible mortar firing point. Private Wysoczan was on top cover, providing protection for the vehicle and those around him, when he was struck by a single round from a sniper. He was immediately taken back to his base location and then evacuated by helicopter to a specialist medical facility, but sadly could not be saved.

He had joined the army in January of 2006, then deployed to Iraq on Boxing Day of that year. He is remembered as a professional, enthusiastic and reliable soldier with a bright future ahead of him; and his comrades described him as cheeky, charming and full of mischief.

Major Dominic Rutherford said this of him: “Private Wysoczan was a professional, enthusiastic and reliable soldier with a bright future. He arrived like an extra Christmas present on Boxing Day. He quickly fitted into the Company, winning everyone’s respect. Johnathon was always seen to have a smile on his face. He was a very confident soldier, indeed the very first time I met him he jumped in before I could call him by his name and told me how to pronounce it or to call him A-Z as it was easier. Private Wysoczan will always be remembered for his cheeky smile which seemed to permanently adorn his face, even when he was doing something wrong. Even in the few months that he had served with us, Private Wysoczan had made his mark. It was an honour to lead and serve with such a brave, enthusiastic soldier.”

Johnathon, from Stoke-on-Trent, was 21 years old.