A BRITISH special forces commando has been shot dead during a vicious firefight in Iraq, it was revealed yesterday.
Hero Corporal Ian Plank, 31, of the Royal Marines’ elite Special Boat Squadron was making a house-to-house search when he was gunned down.
Four SBS and SAS men in his patrol were hit by bullets but escaped with light injuries during the clash last Friday.
They were working with American special forces trying to hunt down a fanatical militia leader north of Basra.
During the top-secret operation, they killed and captured dozens of armed Iraqi rebels.
Ian, above, and his team began searching homes in a village outside the British sector in south-east Iraq.
The group was unexpectedly hit by a hail of gunfire as they entered one house.
Coalition leaders ordered the all-out effort to take out militia leaders because of increasing casualties, especially among US troops.
A senior military source said last night: “The operation was successful although the militia leader was not captured.
“It is a terrible tragedy that Ian Plank has paid with his life but that can happen in these situations.”
Ian, who had several medals, joined the Royal Marines as a teenager and went through intensive commando training in Lympstone, Devon.
He was then selected for the Marines’ Special Boat Squadron — who have the motto By Strength And Guile and are rated as tough as the SAS.
During Gulf War II, SBS teams were deployed on key operations behind enemy lines. Ian, who lived with his partner, was regarded as one of the top men in the SBS.
He was the 52nd British serviceman to lose his life since Gulf War II began in March and the first special forces soldier to die.
Colonel Jerry Heal, director Royal Marines, said: “Ian was extremely popular and a greatly admired member of the Royal Marines.
“He was widely respected for his professionalism, commitment, and determination. His positive outlook, bright disposition, and zest for life will be remembered with deep pride and affection by all who knew him.”
Tony Blair’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is obviously deeply saddened.
“We have always been aware that the work that our troops do in Iraq is both dangerous and valuable.
“The Prime Minister has always been very aware of the risks our soldiers run, at the same time as he believes their work is highly to be valued.”
Ian is believed to be the first SBS commando killed in combat for at least 30 years.
The grim news came as survivors of the Chinook crash in Iraq relived the moment their chopper was shot down.
Sixteen died and 20 were wounded when Saddam guerillas knocked out the CH-47 transport helicopter with a surface-to-air missile near the notorious town of Fallujah.
Corporal Dave Tennant told how he saw the missile race towards them — then hit home.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: “I was watching out the back of the Chinook.
“It just hit the back of the Chinook. It caught fire and we started going down.
“I just remember waking up in the rubble, trying to get out of the burning metal.
There was a lot of screaming.” Sergeant Joe Mlinar — also with the US Army’s 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery — added: “I was on the ground and looked around. Everyone was all over the place.”
“I’m tired and sore but relieved that I’m alive.”
Sixteen survivors are being treated at Landstuhl military hospital in Germany, including 11 who are still critical.
Most have burns and broken bones.
All are expected to survive.
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SBS Man KIA
SBS Man KIA
I walk Through Mindfields To Watch Your Head Rock !
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sneaky beaky
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Cpl. Ian Plank was the son of a former Royal Marine. All of us who knew Don, send our deep felt sympathies. There isn't much to say except that Ian he was doing his duty. And that does not even come close to feeling what his parents feel.
I hope to see you soon, Don and maybe me and all of your mates can have a few "wets".
I hope to see you soon, Don and maybe me and all of your mates can have a few "wets".
Former RM of 23 years.
