It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm that Corporal Dewi Pritchard, a Territorial Army soldier serving with 116 Provost Company (Volunteers), Royal Military Police, was killed during an attack by gunmen on a British Army vehicle in Basrah on 23 August 2003. Corporal Pritchard, aged 35, leaves a beloved wife Tracey, daughter Kira aged six, and son Ethan aged one. His father and mother, Tony and Mair, and only brother Paul, have expressed their deep shock.

Dewi Pritchard was born and brought up in the Rhondda in south Wales. He attended Gelli Junior School and Treorchy Comprehensive. As a youngster, he enjoyed every sport and threw himself into many social and sporting activities.

He met and fell in love with Tracey in 1990, and they were married in Florida in 1996. Dewi was a loving and doting husband and father. A strong and happy family, they lived in Bridgend and Dewi worked for Bosch in Miskin. Mobilised in May, he had only been back in Basrah for one day following his return from six days rest and recuperation. The family remember him as a brave, professional and proud TA military policeman who served his country to his best.

Lieutenant Colonel House, the Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment Royal Military Police, said:

"All of us within the Regiment and across the Royal Military Police are devastated by the news and our thoughts are with all the families at this time, and in particular Dewi's wife Tracey and their two young children, Kira and Ethan.

"4th Regiment RMP is a truly composite regiment of Regular and Territorial Army personnel. The Regiment deployed personnel to Iraq and Kuwait in June 2003. Regular and Territorial soldiers have stood side-by-side, facing hardship and danger together. In early August, members of the Regiment, including Corporal Pritchard, came under the command of 3rd Regiment RMP, and have continued the vital work of restoring law and order in the region. We should all be very proud of the contribution that all the deployed members of our Regiment have made. They have displayed true heroism, professionalism and dedication in bringing help and assistance to the people of Iraq. Corporal Dewi Pritchard epitomised everything that we hold dear in the Royal Military Police.

"Dewi Pritchard was a very popular and loyal member of the Territorial Army. He joined the RMP in 1996, and from the outset of his service was an outstanding Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. He was awarded the Provost Marshal's Gold Whistle & Chain for Best Recruit on his course, and had continued to show true professionalism and dedication throughout his time in the Royal Military Police. He was promoted to Corporal in 1999, and was committed to his TA career. Corporal Pritchard was mobilised for service in Iraq, and sadly paid the ultimate price for his service to Queen and Country. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, all of whom held him in the highest regard.

"As soldiers we never forget our comrades who are no longer by our side. We can only hope to uphold their example when it is necessary to do so. Today, his colleagues in Iraq continue their mission. Our prayers and thoughts are also with them."

The Royal Military Police prayer:
Almighty God, by whose grace we are called to positions of responsibility and trust, bless, we pray Thee, all members of the Royal Military Police and those who have previously served in the Corps of the Royal Military Police. Inspire them to courage and wisdom, courtesy and faithfulness: grant them a true knowledge of Thy will that they may guide their comrades aright: that by serving others in Justice and mercy they may also serve Thee and so become worthy of their calling.

The media are requested to respect the family's privacy at this very difficult time.

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