Second
Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke, 24, of 2nd Battalion The Duke of
Lancaster's Regiment died as a result of injuries sustained by an
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against his patrol in the As
Sarraji District of Basra City.
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke was serving with Chindit
Company, based at the Old State Building in the centre of the city. He
was commanding a patrol of Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles, which
were travelling to Basra Palace, the Headquarters of the Basra City
South Battle Group, when the incident happened.
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke was born on 13 June 1982. He
lived in Hove and joined the army at the age of 22. Engaged to Laura he
was due to get married in August this year.
On 8 May 2005, Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke began his
army career at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On completion of
his officer training and Infantry Platoon Commander's Battle Courses he
reported for duty with 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment,
serving on operations in Basra City, southern Iraq.
Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke had been in Iraq since the New Year
and was always asking questions, trying to improve how he did business
and seeking the best solutions to problems. Diligent and eager to
learn, he was a very promising young officer who had a bright career
ahead. He was excited about being in Iraq and proud to be leading his
Kingsmen, the soldiers serving under his command.
He demanded nothing but the very best from and for his Kingsmen.
They in return respected him and were extremely fond of him. They saw
him as a caring and compassionate leader who despite having only been
in command for a relatively short time had made a huge impression on
them. To a man they feel privileged and honoured to have had him as
their Platoon Commander.
Known as 'BC' to his friends, Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke's
brother officers will remember him as a cheerful and friendly person
who always had time for those who needed it. They particularly liked
his ‘off the wall' sense of humour which manifested itself in various
ways, either by keeping them up late with his antics or by waking them
up with the offer of a jaffa cake.
He was devoted to his fiancée Laura and whilst others discussed
buying new cars and going on holidays on their return to the UK, he
would talk passionately about wedding plans and spending quality time
with her. Hugely talented and extremely popular he will be remembered
as a loving fiancé, talented officer, comrade and friend.
Second Lieutenant Chris Ibbotson, who went through training and
joined the Regiment with Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke, said:
"He was faultless; the nicest guy you could hope to meet. His sense
of humour was key to who he was. He was fit too and a better runner
than most, no matter how many cigarettes he smoked."
His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hutchinson MBE (CO 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment), said:
"Jonathan Bracho-Cooke was a fine young platoon commander who had
quickly established himself under very difficult conditions. He really
stood out as a bright, enthusiastic and charismatic officer. We are
very proud that he chose to be one of us, and are desperately sad to
have lost him."
Defence Secretary Des Browne also said:
"Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke's death on patrol in Basra yesterday
is tragic news. My prayers are with his loved ones and comrades on this
sad day, and all those serving in Iraq are in my thoughts. Our Armed
Forces' courage and devotion to duty are inspirational, and their
contribution to rebuilding Iraq will not be forgotten."