Reply #17: 'Friendly Fire Victim' Strived For The Best [View All]

[Turborama]

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