Scots medic’s body brought home after rocket attack
BY STEPHEN STEWART THE body of a Scots medic who was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq was returned to the UK yesterday.
Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, 26, from Ayr, was given full military honours in moving scenes at RAF Brize Norton, near Oxford.
A lone bugler played the Last Post as her coffin was carried from the aircraft to a hearse by six soldiers from 1st Battalion The Irish Guards.
The ceremony was attended by her family and senior military chiefs.
In a statement, her family said: “Our hearts are irreparably broken at the loss of our beautiful, bright and funloving Brodie. She brought immeasurable love, fun and energy to our lives and was so generous in every way.
“Brodie was a force of nature, a strong independent young woman. She was fierce, with a strong mind and a sensitive soul. Her healing and strength will guide us as we carry on without her, for her.”
Sports physiotherapist Brodie, who was a reservist with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, died alongside two US personnel in the attack on Camp Taji last week.
She deployed in November 2019 with the Irish Guards Battlegroup.
Some of her comrades changed their social media profile pictures to her unit insignia in her honour.
Benjamin MillmanO’Sullivan wrote: “Putting yourself in harm’s way to help others when it isn’t even your day job is a special kind of bravery.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “From the warm testimonies of those who served with her, it’s clear that Lance Corporal Gillon was held in the highest regard and was a shining example of what our Armed Forces stand for, inspiring those around her and always putting others first.”