Kingsman Danny John Wilson killed in Iraq
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Kingsman Danny John Wilson in Iraq on Sunday 1 April 2007.
Kingsman Wilson, aged 28, of the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained during a patrol in Basra City on 1 April 2007.
Kingsman Wilson was conducting a security patrol close to Basra Palace when his patrol came under fire. He had dismounted from his Warrior vehicle to check the roadside ahead for explosive devices when he was hit by small arms fire. Despite being given immediate first aid at the scene, tragically he died of his injuries.
Kingsman Danny John Wilson
From Workington and a proud Cumbrian, Kingsman Danny John Wilson was born on 5 August 1978. He first joined the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers (TA) and then in July 2005, the 1st Battalion, The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment. He served with his Battalion in Iraq in 2006 and then volunteered to deploy once again with the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, where he joined CHINDIT Company in early March this year.
Kingsman Danny Wilson (All rights reserved.)
A popular and much respected soldier, Kingsman Wilson’s enthusiasm and infectious sense of humour soon marked him out as a Battalion character. One of the older and more experienced Kingsmen in his platoon, he was well known for giving others a hand and ensuring that new members of the platoon soon settled in. He was widely respected and much admired within his Company, and was always ready to put his experience and training into practice by volunteering for difficult tasks. Already identified by his commanders and peers as a future NCO, Kingsman Wilson showed the will and aptitude to succeed in all that he did.
Captain Steve Metcalfe, of CHINDIT Company, said of Kingsman Wilson:
I knew him to be a professional soldier who was keen to do his job. His willingness to return to an operational theatre is testament to his commitment to those he served with.
Danny was a loving husband to Tracey and devoted father to his son Leo. He spoke of his young family often and of their plans for next year, when the Battalion will deploy to Cyprus. His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon MBE, said:
Danny Wilson was the sort of Kingsman whom it is a privilege to serve alongside. Selfless, committed and always ready to look on the bright side, he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.
Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, added:
Kingsman Wilson’s death during a patrol in Basra yesterday is tragic news and I would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends, who are in my thoughts today. Kingsman Wilson’s dedication and professionalism in the service of his country and on behalf of the Iraqi people is a credit to him and to his family.