Three RMPs killed in Basra named

The three Royal Military Policemen (RMPs) who were killed in an ambush in Basra on Saturday have been named.

Major Matthew Titchener and Warrant Officer Colin Wall, both of 150 Provost Company, and Corporal Dewi Pritchard, of 116 Provost Company, were killed when their vehicle came under machinegun and grenade attack as it travelled through central Basra as part of a two-vehicle patrol.

A fourth soldier who was driving the vehicle was taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.

The senior RMP officer serving in Basra, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Warren, said: "I am deeply saddened by this tragic event. My thoughts, and those of the men and women of the Royal Military Police, are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. I hope that they will be given the space to grieve.

"These soldiers have been a credit to the RMP and have made a significant contribution to the rebuilding of the local police force in the region. This incident will not deter us from our mission and we will continue to work closely with our Iraqi colleagues to seek out those responsible for this criminal act and bring them to justice."

Brigadier Maurice Nugent, the Provost Marshal for the British Army and professional head of the Royal Military Police, said on 24 August: "The impact of yesterday's tragedy in Basrah, where three men of the Royal Military Police were killed, is only now beginning to be felt. The thoughts of all past and present members of the Royal Military Police are with the families. All three soldiers had young families and we will be there for them over the coming days and weeks.

Major Titchener, aged 32, was married with one child. Warrant Officer Wall, aged 34, was married with one child, plus two children from a previous marriage, and came from Co Durham. Corporal Pritchard, aged 35, was married with two children and came from Bridgend. He had been a member of the Territorial Army.

(gmcg)