A soldier who died in a training accident in northern Iraq has been remembered as an “impressive soldier” and a “huge pleasure” to work with, his platoon commander has said.
Lieutenant Samuel Frost, Lance Corporal James Freeman‘s Platoon Commander, described him as “an impressive soldier” and “one of the best,” adding: “Working with Lance Corporal Freeman has been a huge pleasure, and he will be sorely missed, rightfully commemorated, and never forgotten.”
Lance Corporal Freeman, 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, died on Sunday, 31 May 2026, during a routine training exercise at Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq. He was deployed as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution to the international coalition against the so-called Islamic State. A U.S. Army soldier also died in the same joint training exercise.
Born on 1 January 1997, Lance Corporal Freeman joined the Army in June 2016 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings) in February 2017. Over his career he served in a variety of roles including rifleman, mortarman, and machine gunner. His most recent appointment was as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon, a role in which he was deeply invested in improving operational techniques, kit, and equipment, and regularly suggested enhancements to his commanders. This commitment to raising standards and his professional expertise were central to what made him such an impressive soldier, those who served alongside him have said.
He deployed on operations to South Sudan, Cyprus, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania, and Kenya, and also contributed to the UK’s national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside the military, he was described as a devoted family man who always put his family first. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly clay pigeon shooting with his father, and had a passion for gaming, often playing late into the night with fellow soldiers.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the death with “deep regret,” stating that his family had been notified and had requested a “period of grace” before further details were released. UK Defence Secretary John Healey informed the House of Commons of the death, expressing his deep sadness and offering the thoughts of the House to the soldier’s family and unit. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.
The Training Accident
The accident occurred during what the Ministry of Defence described as a “routine training activity” at Erbil Air Base. British forces under Operation Shader are involved in training Iraqi and Kurdish security personnel in weapons maintenance, counter-IED techniques, medical support, and engineering, as well as contributing to intelligence, surveillance, and strike operations. As of February 2025, seven UK armed forces personnel had died as a result of Operation Shader, with four deaths in Iraq and three in Cyprus.
Training accidents within the British armed forces, while relatively rare, are not unprecedented. Official figures show that over 100 service personnel have died in training-related incidents since 2000 across the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, with the Army accounting for the majority. This incident follows the recent death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney during a domestic training exercise earlier this year, and the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers during an off-duty recreational hike in Morocco in May 2026.
Tributes from Comrades and Commanders
Corporal William Thorpe remembered Lance Corporal Freeman as his “best friend,” highlighting his commitment to achieving tasks to the highest standard, his professionalism, and his reliability as someone to confide in. Major James SD Pugh, Officer Commanding A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, described him as the “very essence of a Viking soldier” and “unfailingly dependable,” stating that he set the highest standards for those he led.
Colonel James WHM Bishop, Commander of British Forces Operation Shader, called him “larger than life and magnetically charming,” a “highly professional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer,” and a trusted leader who naturally brought people together. He said his absence leaves a “profound, irreplaceable void.”
