It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm that Lance-Corporal Benjamin John McGowan Hyde was killed in action in southern Iraq on 24 June whilst serving with 156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police. Aged 23, he came from Northallerton in Yorkshire and was single.

Ben Hyde joined the Army in June 2001 and was posted to 156 Provost Company in March 2002, where he served with the Parachute Provost Platoon. A qualified radio operator, he was on his first operational tour.

His father John issued the following statement:

"Ben was an extremely charismatic person who lightened the mood whenever he walked into a room. All he ever wanted was to become a military policeman, and he worked very hard to become one. He was very career-minded, with bags of potential, and had been recommended for promotion early.

"The red beret was all he ever wanted. It was his life, so he gave his life doing the job he loved most. He was also a loving son who will be sorely missed."

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