The Telegraph reports today on the death of 2nd Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke in Iraq. 

I served with Jon in Bosnia in 2002. We joined the Territorial Army (Royal Corp of Signals) at about the same time, and we were both on the same Recruits Course at Blandford Camp in Dorset. He was a great soldier, and good friend. I remember his sense of humour, his determination to suceed and the support he gave to me and other soldiers.

In particular, I recall our last basic fitness test (BFT) at RTMC Chillwell in Nottingham before deploying to Bosnia (in my case, via Wiltshire). John was my partner for the final strength assessment, and gave me the benefit of the doubt on the last few rather strained press-ups to get me over the required standard. And on our last BFT run, John and I raced each other in a rather foolish 100 yard sprint at the end of a mile and a half run. He beat me by 10 yards, but in my defence I was on the verge of throwing up.

My condolences to John's family and fiance. I am very sorry for your loss.

An online Book of Condolence is being maintained by the Brighton & Hove Argus