British Para named as Syria fatality
The British soldier killed while fighting Islamic State in Syria has been named as Sergeant Matt Tonroe.
Sergeant Tonroe, 33, of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, died in a roadside bomb blast on Thursday.
He had been embedded with US forces as part of a counter-terrorism operation and is the first British soldier to be killed fighting IS.
The Government has not previously acknowledged that British forces are involved in combat in Syria.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said Sgt Tonroe’s “sacrifice and unflinching commitment and bravery” would never be forgotten, while his commanding officer said his bravery was matched by his compassion.
It is believed Sgt Tonroe was killed near the town of Manbij in northern Syria in a night-time operation against IS.
An American soldier was also killed and five other personnel wounded.
Sergeant Tonroe’s commanding officer said: “His bravery and talent as a solider was matched by his compassion as a human being. He was an individual, with the courage to set his own course, and the perspective to see new possibilities at every turn.
“He was destined for great things in our unit; his leadership was both natural and apparently effortless.
“He is already missed. Without Matt, our company has lost some of its humour, some of its warmth, and some of its sheer opportunism.”