'Essence of a Viking': Tributes paid to Royal Anglian Regiment junior NCO killed in Iraq

Tributes have flooded in from fellow soldiers for Lance Corporal James Freeman, a Royal Anglian Regiment junior NCO who was killed in Iraq.

LCpl Freeman, 29, was deployed on Op Shader, the UK's ongoing military operation against the remnants of Islamic State.

Colonel James WHM Bishop, Commander British Forces Operation Shader, said: "I am devastated at the loss of Lance Corporal Freeman.

"He was a highly professional junior Non-Commissioned Officer whose dedication to his friends, his sub-unit in the United Kingdom Mobility Company, and the wider battalion represented the very best of his generation. 

"Larger than life and magnetically charming, he was a trusted junior leader who naturally brought people together, forming a wide and fiercely loyal group of friends across the entire Op Shader contingent. 

"His absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void, and he will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege to serve alongside him. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment."

LCpl Freeman joined the British Army in June 2016, completing basic training at Catterick before joining 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, who are known as the Vikings, in February 2017.

He had deployed on operations in South Sudan, supported force protection missions in Cyprus and additionally served in the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya.

Most recently, he was appointed Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon – a role he is described as being deeply invested in, pushing the capability and suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick JP McGinley, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: "I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman. 

"A soldier with a bright future ahead of him, he was everything you could wish for in a junior leader – selflessly committed, thoughtful and professional. 

"His loss is felt profoundly by all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Most of all, our thoughts are with his family to whom he was utterly devoted."

Major James SD Pugh, Officer Commanding A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said: "Lance Corporal Freeman was the very essence of a Viking soldier and a highly regarded member of the Royal Anglian Regiment. 

"Unfailingly dependable, he set the highest standards for those he led, demonstrating consummate professionalism in every task he undertook. He was the kind of soldier you wanted by your side – steadfast and resolute. 

"His enthusiasm, unwavering humour in the face of adversity, and determination were the cornerstones of his success. Whatever the challenge, he brought people with him. 

"Beyond his military excellence, Lance Corporal Freeman was a devoted husband and father. His greatest pride was his daughter, and the simple walks to and from school were the moments he cherished most each day. 

"His loss will be deeply felt by his fellow Vikings, but none more so than by his family."