British soldier 'killed by US cannon fire' (from a low-flying plane, in southern Afghanistan)

[Turborama]

Source: Press Association Via The Guardian

Tuesday December 7 2010

A British paratrooper killed in southern Afghanistan could have been shot by cannon fire from a low-flying US plane, the Ministry of Defence has said.

It is understood the jet was on a "strafing run" and had been called in by British troops involved in a gunfight with insurgents.

The soldier, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, died on Sunday as he patrolled the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.

Two more servicemen were injured in the attack, sources said.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/9394777

[RSillsbee]

1. Remember Friendly fire ..isn't

It's bad of course but stff like that happens in war. As well as in peace time. What's your point

[Turborama]

2. My point? This is a news forum where we post news stories.

If you don't like it, you can use this button at the end of the subject line: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=hide_thread&forum=102&thread=4645834">

Oh, and for your information the US military have quite a history of killing British soldiers by accident.

[Pavulon]

3. they call it own goal. and wikidicks are not breaking ground

just passing away into the dustbin. Have you finished up your Christmas shopping yet?

[Turborama]

4. Sure you're in the right thread? I'm not sure what WikiLeaks has to do with this article.

I haven't even started my Christmas shopping, I always leave it to the last minute. I work best under pressure.

[Pavulon]

5. I'm just waiting for the new world assange promised me.

and finishing up my shopping. the wrong people died in battle at Carthage? dont need an egomaniac to tell me that.

[Turborama]

6. What's Carthage got to do with anything and which egomaniac are you talking about? Pygmalion?

I forgot Christmas was getting close until you mentioned it. No reminders of it where I live.

[Pavulon]

7. The one who is going to put names in public

if he gets arrested. guess he is a decider too.

[Turborama]

8. You do realize that Assange has nothing whatsoever to do with the OP, don't you?

Not even tangentially.

[Pavulon]

10. Now I do.. Wrong thread..

and need sleep, sorry for hijacking your thread by accident. I will delete the posts if you like or leave them.

Sorry about that.

[sudopod]

18. One trick pony. nt

[RSillsbee]

13. IIRCC We have a bit of a history of killing them on purpose as well

That's why we're America and not the Crown Colonies.

I still don't understand what you are attempting to communicate here. Sometimes in war the wrong people get shot. It happens, it sucks but you continue the mission.

I remember an incident at Ft. Carson right after I got there in which a tank gunner put a round through a Bradley fighting vehicle that got too far out in front of the line on the tank gunnery range. Killed every one on board.

I'm sure the pilot wasn't aiming for the Brits

[Turborama]

14. If you don't understand what the Press Association are "attempting to communicate"...

...you should take it up with them. As I said, this is a news forum where we post news stories. (The fact it's called "Latest Breaking News" should make that a bit obvious)

[RSillsbee]

16. OK so why did you pick THIS story in particular?

What is it about this story that you want me to take away?

[Boudica the Lyoness]

9. His poor mum....

IF I should die, think only this of me;
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

[pinboy3niner]

11. Ode of Remembrance

Ode of Remembrance

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

--Laurence Binyon, 1914 (ode taken from his poem, "For the Fallen")

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_of_Remembrance

[Boudica the Lyoness]

12. That's so sad.

We have to remember them all.

My grandfather and three great uncles fought in the Great War, but only one lived to be an old man.

[RSillsbee]

15. Butchered To Make A Dutchman's Holiday

In prison cell I sadly sit,
A d__d crest-fallen chappie!
And own to you I feel a bit-
A little bit - unhappy!

It really ain't the place nor time
To reel off rhyming diction -
But yet we'll write a final rhyme
Whilst waiting cru-ci-fixion!

No matter what "end" they decide -
Quick-lime or "b'iling ile," sir?
We'll do our best when crucified
To finish off in style, sir!

But we bequeath a parting tip
For sound advice of such men,
Who come across in transport ship
To polish off the Dutchmen!

If you encounter any Boers
You really must not loot 'em!
And if you wish to leave these shores,
For pity's sake, DON'T SHOOT 'EM!!

And if you'd earn a D.S.O.,
Why every British sinner
Should know the proper way to go
Is: "ASK THE BOER TO DINNER!"

Let's toss a bumper down our throat, -
Before we pass to Heaven,
And toast: "The trim-set petticoat
We leave behind in Devon."
Harry Harboard Morant

[Turborama]

17. 'Friendly Fire Victim' Strived For The Best

Tuesday December 07, 2010
Adam Arnold, Sky News Online

A British Army paratrooper killed in a suspected friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan was "never prepared to accept less than the best".



Private John "Jack" Howard, from Wellington, New Zealand, died while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.

The 23-year-old, serving in the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, could have been shot by cannon fire from a low-flying US plane, the Ministry of Defence said.

The jet believed to have been responsible had been called in by British troops involved in a gunfight with insurgents, it is understood.

It was the 11th suspected death by friendly-fire since operations began in Afghanistan, and was the third this year, the MoD added.

Private Howard's family said they were "absolutely devastated" at his loss and they "miss him dearly".

Full article: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Tributes-As-Paratrooper-Private-John-Jack-Howard-Killed-In-Suspected-Friendly-Fire-Incident/Article/200911115849246?lpos=UK_News_Third_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region__6&lid=ARTICLE_15849246_Tributes_As_Paratrooper_Private_John_Jack_Howard_Killed_In_Suspected_Friendly_Fire_Incident