It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm that Corporal Simon Miller was killed in action in southern Iraq on 24 June whilst serving with 156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police. Aged 21, he came from Washington in Tyne and Wear, and was engaged to be married.

Si Miller joined the Army in January 2000 and was posted to 156 Provost Company after passing the RMP junior non-commissioned officers course at Chichester. A qualified radio operator, he had served with 1 PARA on a deployment to Kenya.

His parents, John and Marilyn Miller said:

"Simon had a real zest for life and was a keen sportsman. He gained his black belt in Karate when he was only twelve years old and then decided to concentrate on getting to the top in football.

"He represented both junior and senior school at football and in the last two years he captained the team. He was picked to represent the Durham and Chester-le-Street district team selected from all the schools in the area. He also played for several local teams including Washington Boys.

"At 12 years old, he attended Sunderland AFC School of Excellence. Later, he had trials for Cambridge United and he went to the teams ground regularly for training before deciding to join the Army and become a Red Cap. But he continued to play football for his unit, 156 Pro Company, and for the Royal Military Police team.

"He loved the Army and was one hundred per cent a policeman in every sense of the word, committed to his job. He had great courage and was not afraid to stand his ground.

"He has an older brother, Jon, and through Simon's encouragement, Jon has just this week completed his NCOs' course at the RMP Training School in Chichester.

"Simon was promoted to Corporal just before he left for Iraq and we were all really proud of him. He also loved motorbikes and rode an Army motorbike out in Iraq as well as having his own back in the UK.

"He was due to finish his tour in July and planned to marry when he returned home. He was our life - he was a lovely lad and very close to his family and fiancee. Words can't describe how much we all love him and miss him."

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