The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Soldier’s body repatriate­d to UK from Iraq

TRIBUTE: Captain Dean Sprouting died following a road traffic incident

- LUCINDA CAMERON

The body of a soldier who died in a traffic accident in Iraq has been returned to the UK.

Captain Dean Sprouting died following the incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on January 31.

The Ministry of Defence launched an investigat­ion into his death but said it was not the result of enemy activity.

Captain Sprouting’s body was repatriate­d to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshir­e yesterday.

Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to the soldier in parliament on Wednesday. She said: “I know that the whole House will join me in paying tribute to Captain Dean Sprouting, who died in a road traffic accident in Iraq on 31 January. His death was not the result of enemy activity.

“I know that members in all parts of the house will want to join me in offering condolence­s to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Captain Sprouting of the Adjutant General’s Corps at the air base in Iraq was serving with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The father of two, of Denny, Stirlingsh­ire, joined the army in 1989 and had served in places including Northern Yugoslavia, Cyprus and Kosovo, Sudan, Angola and Germany.

Speaking after his death Lt Col Rob Hedderwick, Commanding Officer, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “Dean was simply one of those people whose infectious humour and enthusiasm drew others to him.

“His profession­al knowledge was second to none and his sage advice already something I had come to rely on.

“His loss is keenly felt by us all and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children whom I know he cherished more than anything else in this world. I am hugely proud and thankful to have known him. He was a very good man.”

 ?? Pictures: PA. ?? The ceremony at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshir­e yesterday.
Pictures: PA. The ceremony at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshir­e yesterday.
 ??  ?? The father of two had served in the army since 1989.
The father of two had served in the army since 1989.

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