Tributes paid to soldier killed in Iraq

Tributes have been paid to the British soldier killed in a bomb attack in Iraq at the weekend.

Sergeant John ‘Jonah’ Jones, 31, from the 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died from injuries sustained in a roadside bomb attack in the southern Iraq city of Basra on Sunday. He had been on a routine patrol as the commander when the incident occurred, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Four other soldiers were also injured during the attack.

Sgt Jones, who was from Birmingham, was married with one son, five-year-old Jack. His wife Nickie paid tribute to her husband, saying he was “a real all round sportsman”, who “boxed, played football and was passionate about Aston Villa”. She said: “He loved being a soldier and was very proud of his regiment. But most of all, he was a fantastic dad and loving husband.”

Sgt Jones’ commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Marr, said that his death was an “immense blow and shock” and described him as a “much loved and highly popular member of our Battalion, the First Fusiliers”. He said: “Brimming with energy, a love of soldiering and an endearing sense of humour and compassion for his men, he will be sorely missed.

“Sergeant Jones was an outstanding soldier, a wonderful husband and a loving father, who always found time to speak to and encourage those around him. He had a smile for everyone. We are left remembering his drive, his courage, his humour and his typically understated contribution to the Battalion.”

Sgt Jones, who was from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, joined the British Army at the age of 16 and served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Kosovo.

Defence Secretary John Reid also paid tribute to Sgt Jones. He said: “I was very saddened to hear that a British soldier had died whilst performing his duty in Iraq.

“As always, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and those of his fellow soldiers injured in this barbaric act of terrorism.”

(KMcA/SP)