Howden soldier killed in Basra bomb blast

Published on 15th February 2007 in News

Tributes have poured in this week following the tragic death in Iraq of a soldier from Howden.

Private Luke Daniel Simpson, of Derwent Crescent, was killed last Friday, February 9, after the armoured Land Rover he was driving was hit by a roadside bomb near Basra.

21-year-old Luke, a serving soldier with the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, was returning to his base from a routine patrol when the device detonated close to his vehicle, causing him fatal injuries. Luke was rushed to a field hospital but died later that night of his injuries. Three other soldiers were injured in the blast, one of them critically.

Private Luke Simpson, known as 'Boob' to his friends, joined the Army at the age of 16. His father served with the Battalion as a Sergeant Major but is now retired.

Luke enlisted into the Army in September 2002, beginning his career at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick the following January. On completion of his Combat Infantryman's Course he joined 1st Battalion The Prince of Wales' Own Regiment of Yorkshire in July, 2003 and served in both Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

Having passed a challenging selection cadre, he spent a considerable amount of time in the Reconnaissance Platoon, where he was very highly regarded. In June, 2006 The Prince of Wales's Own became 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment and, following a period of training, the unit deployed to Iraq on November 5 last year.

Superb soldier with the

brightest of futures

Pte Simpson was identified as a rising star early in his career by his commanders and colleagues. He was an extremely professional soldier with superb standards who loved the Army as much as he loved life. His enthusiasm was infectious, too. He could always be relied upon to lift the morale in his platoon during difficult times and such was his popularity that he had an ability to be cheeky to his superiors without getting into trouble.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Jackson (CO, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment), said: "Private Luke Simpson stood out as a young soldier with the highest personal and professional credentials. He had the potential to go far and his dedication to duty, personal pride in soldiering and selfless commitment to his comrades is an inspiration to us all.

"His passion and zest for life touched everyone who knew him and we are all the poorer for his passing. Pte Luke Simpson's death is an utter tragedy - we have lost a member of our close Regimental family and we will not forget him."

Major Richard Hall, Officer Commanding A Company, echoed these sentiments: "Private Luke Simpson was an exceptionally talented young soldier with the brightest of futures. He did everything well, including keeping spirits high. He used to refer to himself as Regimental Sergeant Major Simpson and thrust his chest forward for dramatic effect. It always made the lads laugh. Although he was a joker, I do not doubt for a moment that he would have achieved it."

Pte Luke Simpson was a Star Wars fanatic and a committed rock music enthusiast. He also loved most TV comedies and watched them whenever he had a spare moment. This fuelled his well-developed sense of humour.

Battalion hit by loss of friend

Pte Simpson's colleagues in A Company spoke of him as someone who could be relied upon, who never let the team down and always put others before himself. He was a totally professional soldier. He did not cut corners or take the easy option and believed in doing everything to the best of his ability. He will be greatly missed and cannot be replaced. His loss will have a profound impact on those fortunate enough to know him and work with him and the thoughts of the whole Battalion are with his family.

The Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "The death of Private Luke Simpson near Basra in Iraq on Friday is very sad news, and my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and comrades at this difficult time.

"The attempts by insurgents to undermine our Armed Forces' incredible efforts to improve the lives of the Iraqi people will not succeed. We are very proud of the professionalism and courage shown by our Armed Forces serving on operations around the world."

Andrew Williams, head teacher at Howden School and Technology College, said: "On behalf of all staff and students at Howden School I would like to express our deepest condolences to Luke's family. We were shocked and saddened by this tragic news.

"Luke started at Howden School in February 1998, leaving at the end of Year 11 in July, 2002.

"Staff remember Luke as a caring and conscientious young man who always gave of his best. He had a good sense of humour which endeared him to both staff and students alike. Luke had always expressed a desire to join the Army and subsequently went on to achieve his goal after leaving school.

"Luke will be sadly missed and we are proud to have known Luke as part of our school community."

Luke's death brought the total number of UK troops killed as a result of hostile action in Iraq since 2003 to 101.

His funeral will take place at Howden Minster on Wednesday, February 21, at 11am.