[starfish923]

FWIW:

You know, I once heard a British officer (NOT a general) say that the Brits HAD to engage in this war, if for no other reason than to keep up the readiness of their troops.

I think he recited the Dutch, whose attitude towards their troops, readiness, etc., reflect the fact that the Dutch haven't been at war in over 400 years.

[Joe 6-pack]

"What manner of men are these who wear the maroon beret? They are firstly, all volunteers and are then toughened by hard physical training. As a result they have that infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from physical well being. They have jumped from the air and by doing so have conquered fear. Their duty lies in the van of battle; they are proud of their honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things whether it be skills in battle or smartness in execution of all peacetime duties. They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in attack. They are in fact, men apart. Every Man an Emperor."

- Montgomery of Alamein

[uksupport1]

The BBC is suggesting that he was with Special Forces. Rest in Peace.

This story just goes to show that British troops are still fighting and dying alongside their US brothers in Iraq (and not just in the South where we still have 5500 troops).