Final goodbye to Iraq hero

Jun 8 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A COMMUNITY came to a standstill as it honoured a "remarkable" Birmingham soldier who died in Iraq.

Corporal Jeremy Brookes, of the 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed by small arms fire in Basra on May 21.

Family and friends of the 28-year-old, from Hollywood, gathered at his funeral at All Saints Church, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, to pay their final respects as he was laid to rest with full military honours.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders of the 4th Battalion the Rifles, Cpl Brookes' commanding officer, said: "He was a remarkable man, and one of the best corporals I ever had the privilege of serving with.

"What stood out was his amazing determination and zest for life. I don't think a day of his life was spent in half measures."

Dozens of passers-by in nearby Kings Heath High Street stopped to watch as Cpl Brookes' coffin, draped in the Union Flag, was borne into church by soldiers from his battalion.

An eight-strong honour guard saluted the coffin in the churchyard.

The service was led by Reverend John Wilkinson who said: "First, I would like to express my most sincere sympathy to Jeremy's mother Sarah, to his stepfather Alan, to his brothers and sister, to his father, girlfriend and all relatives and friends at this time of grief.

"I do this also on behalf of the community of faith of this parish church which I represent, many of whom have shown their love and concern both in their words and prayers and in their determination."

Jeremy, who was known as Jez, received fatal injuries after his convoy came under fire.

He was evacuated to Basra Palace where medics lost the battle for his life.

Corporal Brookes was commanding a Bulldog armoured vehicle at the time of the incident. The civilian driver of a fuel tanker that was part of the convoy was also killed.

The soldier was brought up in Birmingham and enlisted in the army in February 2001, serving with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Green Jackets before the regiment was merged to become The Rifles.

Corporal Brookes was buried at Kings Norton Cemetery.