Iraq: The latest British soldier from the Black Watch regiment to be killed in Iraq was named yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
Pte Pita Tukatukawaqa of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch died on Monday when his Warrior armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. The 27-year-old was married and came from Fiji, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners gathered yesterday to pay their last respects to the first Black Watch soldier to be killed after the regiment's recent move to central Iraq.
The family, friends and comrades of Pte Kevin McHale came to say a final farewell to the soldier at a requiem mass in his Scottish home town in Fife.
The 27-year-old was killed when his Warrior armoured car overturned during the regiment's move north on October 29th.
Mourners sang the hymns Abide With Me, For You Are Always Close To Me and Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace during the service at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Lochgelly, where Pte McHale worshipped as a boy.
The Black Watch's most senior officer, Lieutenant General Alistair Irwin, was among those attending the mass.
Pte McHale, who was single and had been with the regiment for five years serving as a Warrior driver, was being buried with full military honours at a cemetery in the town.
Three other soldiers suffered minor injuries in the accident which claimed his life when a bridge collapsed in Iraq's North Babil province. The incident did not involve any hostile action.
Parish priest Father Stuart Gray gave the eulogy as Pte McHale's oak coffin lay before the altar draped in a Saltire and topped with his blue bonnet and red hackle, regimental belt and campaign medals.
Military padre Alex Forsyth recited the regimental prayer, The Black Watch Collect.
The 500 mourners - many of whom had to remain standing - were led by Pte McHale's father Michael, mother Betty and brother Barry. - (PA)