British and US Soldiers Die in Joint Iraq Training Exercise

Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman, 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, died on Sunday during a joint training exercise in Erbil, Iraq, the Ministry of Defence said. S. Army confirmed one of its soldiers also died in the same exercise.

Freeman was based at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland in the East Midlands and was serving in Iraq as part of Operation Shader, the UK's campaign against the Islamic State group. The Ministry of Defence described the incident as occurring during routine training activity. Freeman joined the Army in 2016.

He served in South Sudan, Cyprus, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya. He worked as a rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner, and his most recent role was Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon. The Ministry of Defence said Freeman was deeply invested in his role and was always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment.

It added that he had a promising career ahead of him. Defence Secretary John Healey said Freeman served the country with dedication, professionalism and pride. He added that his thoughts were with Freeman's family, loved ones and colleagues.

Colonel James WHM Bishop, commander of Operation Shader, said Freeman was larger than life and magnetically charming. He said Freeman's absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void. Lieutenant Samuel Frost, an Officer Commanding, said Freeman would be sorely missed, rightfully commemorated, and never forgotten.

He said Freeman was one of the best and offered his sympathy to Freeman's wife and daughter. Corporal William S Thorpe described Freeman as his best friend. He said Freeman was committed to achieving any task to the highest standard and was someone to talk to in confidence.

The Ministry of Defence said Freeman was a lover of the outdoors who would often go clay pigeon shooting and regularly share stories about shooting with his dad. It added that above all he was a devoted family-man.