Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2007, Private Kevin Thompson, Royal Logistic Corps, died at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham from wounds received in Iraq three days earlier. Based in the Contingency Operating Base at Basra Air Station, he had been taking part in a re-supply convoy when his vehicle was hit by an IED. He received immediate first aid, then surgery at the field hospital before being transported home, where he was expected to recover. Sadly, his condition deteriorated and he passed away in the company of his family.

Private Thompson had joined the army in 2004 and after training was posted to 19 Tank Transporter Squadron – he had talked about being very proud to be a member of the prestigious Carmen’s Troop. Comrades who were close to him spoke of his kindness, his being a “genuine one-off,” someone who would always find a way to cheer others up no matter what was happening at the time.

Major John Wallace-Dutton said: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of Kevin Thompson’s death following such sterling efforts made by his comrades and the medical teams to save his life out here in Theatre. Having to inform his comrades was one of the hardest tasks I have had to perform on this operation so far - he was such a popular soldier. The duty he was performing, and one he had performed on many occasions, was dangerous; he knew it, but demonstrated the steel determination to get on with the job and fulfil his duty to the best of his ability. He was a brave man and an inspiration to the men he served with. He was a soldier who people liked to be around. Everyone enjoyed his humour and respected him for his genuine loyalty and love for his family. He was a credit to his cap-badge and his trade and is a significant loss to my Squadron on operations - I need and rely on men like him.”

Kevin, from Lancaster, was 21 years old and engaged to be married.