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Soldiers

British Servicewoman Killed in Action for First Time in Over 20 Years

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The tragic loss of Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill, 32, in a helicopter crash in Basra, Iraq, marks the first British servicewoman to be killed in action since July 1984. The incident also claimed the lives of three other servicemen, including Wing Commander John Coxen, the most senior British officer to have been killed in the conflict. The helicopter crash occurred during a briefing flight, with the servicewoman and others on board killed in the explosion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill, 32, was the first British servicewoman to be killed in action since July 1984, when Corporal Heather Kerrigan was killed by an IRA landmine in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
  • The helicopter crash in Basra, Iraq, also claimed the lives of three other servicemen: Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman, 40; Captain David Dobson, 27; and Gunner Paul Collins, 21.
  • Wing Commander John Coxen, 46, was the most senior British officer to have been killed in the conflict, arriving in Iraq to take over command of helicopters supporting British troops in the area.
  • Flight Lieutenant Mulvihill was a key member of ground staff in Basra, involved in general intelligence briefings and planning air movements, and was described as "upbeat and unselfish" with a "powerfully competitive streak".
  • The incident led to serious clashes between troops and locals in Basra, with Defence Secretary Des Browne playing down the significance of a crowd of about 300 Iraqis celebrating the attack on the helicopter.
  • The incident also highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of the British servicemen involved, including Lieutenant Commander Chapman, who had served in the first Gulf campaign and was described by his family as "a fantastic father, husband, son and friend".
  • Defence Secretary Des Browne praised the cooperation of local officials and the response of the Iraqi security forces in bringing the riots under control, saying it was "crucial" to the exit strategy.

Statistics:

  • Five Iraqis were killed during the disturbances in Basra, including a child, with British troops firing live ammunition and baton rounds.
  • 300 Iraqis were reported to have celebrated the attack on the helicopter.
  • 4 British servicemen died in the helicopter crash, including Wing Commander Coxen, Lieutenant Commander Chapman, Captain Dobson, and Gunner Collins.
  • Flight Lieutenant Mulvihill was on her second deployment to Iraq, having first deployed to the country last year.
  • 3 British servicemen, including Flight Lieutenant Mulvihill, were killed in a single incident in Iraq for the first time in over 20 years.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Defence (MoD)
  • Des Browne, Defence Secretary
  • Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill's family
  • Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman's family
  • Captain David Dobson's family
  • Gunner Paul Collins' family
  • Royal Air Force Benson
  • Royal Air Force
  • The Times
  • BBC News

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