Tribute to Lance Corporal Stewart Freeman
A British soldier who died during a training exercise in northern Iraq has been remembered as "a lover of the outdoors" and "a devoted family-man".
Lance Corporal Stewart Freeman, aged 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, passed away on Sunday amid a joint training exercise in Erbil involving UK and US forces, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Statements from Officials
Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute to Freeman's service, stating:
"He served the country with dedication, professionalism and pride. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time."
Additionally, the US Army confirmed on Monday that one of its soldiers also died during the same exercise.
Military Career and Service
The Ministry of Defence detailed Freeman's military career, noting he enlisted in 2016 and had deployments in South Sudan, Cyprus, Iraq, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania, and Kenya.
He held roles as a rifleman, mortarman, and machine gunner. Most recently, he was appointed Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon.
The MoD further described his commitment to his role:
"He was deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him."
