IN EARLY 2004, Tullibody soldier Lance Corporal Andrew Craw died while serving in the armed forces in Iraq.

The 21-year-old was deployed to the area around 10 months after the conflict began, but on January 7 he suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a training incident.

Described as an "oustanding soldier" L/Cpl. Craw had been selected for leadership training.

At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Gray, his commanding officer, said: "This is a tragic incident, in the first few days of the battalion’s six month operational tour in Iraq.

"Andy was a bright and promising soldier who will be sorely missed by all in the regiment. At present, our thoughts are with his family, who have asked for privacy at this very difficult and distressing time."

L/Cpl. Craw joined the Army in 1999, and, following basic training, joined the Argylls in 2000.

Following service in Northern Ireland, the battalion moved to Canterbury in 2003, from where it deployed to Iraq for operations in January 2004.

An MoD spokesperson said: "He was an outstanding soldier who demonstrated exceptional talent from the outset. Having shown early potential on joining the battalion, he was selected for leadership training and promoted to Lance Corporal in the summer of 2003.

"A popular soldier, Andy was an extremely fit and capable sportsman. In particular, he was a keen boxer who had represented the battalion on a number of occasions."