Commonwealth soldier killed in Iraq

Rifleman Edward Vakabua, aged 23, from Nailuva Road in Suva, Fiji, was serving in Mortar Platoon attached to 7 Platoon, B Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles.

It is with deep sorrow that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death on Friday 6 July 2007 of Rifleman Edward Vakabua, aged 23, from 4th Battalion The Rifles at the Basra Palace base in Basra City, southern Iraq.

"Vaka was one of the youngest Fijian soldiers in the Battalion. Even though he was emotional, he was very proud to serve under the Rifles cap badge. His life will be sorely missed by everyone especially the families in Bulford. A fighter and someone who would never give up trying. We will miss you bro. His family back in Fiji will be proud of him. Born a Fijian, died a Rifleman.

MOCE MADA VAKA

The simple tribute above this one to Rifleman Vakabua by his fellow Fijian Riflemen says more about him than I can hope to. Quote: Lieutenant Colonel PNYM Sanders OBE".


He wasn't British but he died serving in the British army as a subject of what remains of HM Commonwealth which makes him well deserving of recognition in my book. That is more than can be said for the limp wristed chavs this country produces nowadays.

Pip pip