Soldier killed by blast takes British toll to 33

A soldier has been killed by an explosion in southern Iraq, the Army said yesterday. Lance Corporal James McCue from Paisley, Renfrewshire, died on Wednesday after being wounded in the blast.

L/Cpl McCue, who represented Scotland as a junior sprinter, was a member of 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His death brings the total number of British fatalities in the Gulf to 33. An Army spokesman said an investigation was under way.

L/Cpl McCue joined 8 Close Support Company of his battalion in August 2002, where he served as a vehicle mechanic within Forward Platoon.

His mother, Mary, said: "He was a wonderful son, and those that knew him will remember his maturity and lively sense of humour. He talked often about how much he loved serving with the Air Assault Battalion, and was extremely proud when he was promoted to lance corporal, which was only at the beginning of this year.

"At this time words cannot express the depth of our grief, but mixed with our profound sadness there is pride in the knowledge that he died a soldier while serving his country. He will be remembered by all that knew him forever."

L/Cpl McCue, aged 27, who was single, joined the Army in April 1999 and completed his trade training at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at Bordon in Hampshire.

Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Armstrong, Commanding Officer of 7 Air Assault Battalion REME, described him as a "highly competent" and popular soldier who used his physical fitness skills to help train others.

Lt-Col Armstrong said: "Despite the relatively short time that he had been with the battalion, he had made a lasting impression on all of his colleagues. He had shown himself throughout to be highly competent and ... expected everyone to achieve the same high standards that he set for himself." He was "a strong character who displayed a great sense of pride in everything he did, qualities that gained him the respect and admiration from all members of the unit. He was a credit to his corps and will be sadly missed by all."