Soldier's family speak of anguish
- From: alan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Alan)
- Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 19:28 +0000 (GMT Standard Time)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4665620.stm
The family of a Scottish soldier killed in Iraq have spoken of their anguish and
claimed: "It wasn't his war".
Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, 22, from Aberdeen, who was serving with The
Highlanders, died after coming under fire in the Maysan area on Monday.
His mother Diane said: "It wasn't his war. But as he said, he's in the army,
that's his job."
Meanwhile, it is understood that a Royal Scots Dragoon Guards soldier killed in
Basra was also Scottish.
L/Cpl Douglas' family believe the young soldier's body will be returned to
Aberdeen later this week for his funeral.
Speaking to BBC Scotland from her home in Aberdeen, Mrs Douglas said: "All I
know is that Allan had taken a bullet, was taken to hospital and died of his
injuries.
"We are now waiting for an inquiry as to what happened.
"Allan's been in Iraq for a couple of months now, he was home at Christmas for a
fortnight.
"He did not want to go back this time - he'd seen enough the first time he was
over.
"But as he said, he's in the army, that's his job.
Very proud
"He said it was a waste of time people being there, he just really didn't like
it at all.
"I did not want him to go there at all - it wasn't his war. We were not very
happy that he had to go there.
"I think it's a damn disgrace, they should not be out there at all.
"I do not think Tony Blair should have put any young kids out there - there's
been so many of them killed.
"He could not wait to get into the army, he thought it would be a great life,
make a career out of it. Obviously it did not work out that way for him.
"We will bring him back home to Aberdeen."
She added: "We are of course very proud of him."
Mrs Douglas said the family would remember him as "just the happy-go-lucky lad
he was", adding: "He just loved life, he just lived for life."
Lieutenant Colonel James Hopkinson, his commanding officer, said: "Lance
Corporal Allan Douglas was extremely well liked by all who knew him - he
displayed all the qualities of professionalism, drive and humour that make a
Scottish soldier.
Deeply saddened
"He made a true difference in Iraq. It is telling that since this sad incident a
great many Iraqis, both civilian leaders and members of the security forces,
have called to pass on their condolences. Allan made an impact in their lives
that it will be hard to match.
"Lance Corporal Douglas was not only a comrade but was a friend to many. He will
be sorely missed by those who were privileged to serve with him."
Defence Secretary John Reid said: "My thoughts are with his family and friends."
Lance Corporal Douglas was the 99th British soldier to die in Iraq, and the
total reached 100 when another British soldier died in a blast in southern Iraq.
The prime minister's spokesman said Mr Blair was "deeply saddened" by the deaths
but added British troops would be in Iraq for as long as is necessary.
A Save the Scottish Regiments campaign spokesman said: "Like Mrs Douglas the
campaign has been bitterly opposed to the over-frequent tours of duty faced by
Scottish soldiers, many of who have returned to Iraq without proper rest, both
physically and psychologically.
"Despite being taken into what can only be best described as a questionable war,
our soldiers have shown great courage and bravery.
"This campaign calls on those responsible in government to be held accountable."
Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond said: "Our deepest sympathy and
condolences go to the two families involved.
"The loss of 100 soldiers and the injury of many hundreds more hangs as a
*badge* *of* *shame* *on* *Blair's* *arm."*
Alan
"Can't you see we're still here,
Can't you see we're still here,
Singing loud; Singing clear,
We shall not go under,
We're still here."
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