It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lance Corporal Ian Keith Malone, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, was killed in action in Basrah on 6 April.

Lance Corporal Malone, who was 28, was born in Dublin and enlisted into the Army in Belfast in July 1997. After training, he joined his Battalion in March 1998. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2000 and served on Operation Agricola in Kosovo. He was a valued member of the Pipe Band after completing a Piper's Course in April 1999.

He had also seen service with the Battle Group in Poland, Canada, Oman and Germany.

He deployed on Operation Telic in an armoured infantry section with Number 1 Company, Irish Guard, as part of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Battle Group within 7 Armoured Brigade.

The Malone family have issued the following statement:

"Ian was a wonderful son, full of life and vitality, fun and wit. His family and girlfriend are devastated to learn of his death. He had so many friends and so much to live for. He loved the Army and lived for the excitement and challenges that being a soldier brought. He was proud to be an Irishman and proud to serve in the Irish Guards. His family takes some comfort from knowing that he died doing the job he loved."

The family have stated that they do not wish to speak to the media directly and request that their privacy be respected at this sad and difficult time.

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