It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm the death of Staff Sergeant Chris Muir from the Army School of Ammunition, Royal Logistic Corps, based at Kineton. Aged 32, Staff Sergeant Muir was killed during an explosive ordnance disposal operation in southern Iraq on 31 March. He came from Romsey in Hampshire, and was married with a son.

His wife Gillian, has released the following statement:

"Chris was the sort of person that could light up a room just by being in it. He had a fantastic sense of humour and always tried to see the funny side, no matter what the situation. Judging by the amount of phone calls, cards and visits I have had, he will be missed by his colleagues, all of whom I know he regarded as great friends.

"I know that Chris was very proud to wear the badge of an Ammunition Technician, and I take small comfort from the knowledge that he died doing the job that he loved.

"He has left me and our families with the most fantastic of memories, the greatest one being our son, Ben, who can grow up knowing that his father was a good, honest, hardworking soldier, who died trying to do the right thing.

"Chris will be greatly missed by all who had the honour to have met him."

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Dolamore MBE, his Commanding Officer said:

"Staff Sergeant Muir joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at Deepcut in 1988. He carried out his trade training at the Army School of Ammunition, and qualified as an Ammunition Technician in 1989. On amalgamation in 1993, Chris became a member of the Royal Logistic Corps.

"During his service in the Royal Logistic Corps, Chris travelled extensively, often in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal area, where he had trained and qualified at the highest level. In view of his expertise, he had most recently been employed as an Instructor back at the Army School of Ammunition at Kineton, Warwickshire. His skills, drive and determination as an individual and a soldier ensured his quick promotion to Staff Sergeant and recent selection for promotion to Warrant Officer. It is a particularly sad fact that we will not see him wearing the new rank he so richly deserved.

"Chris was an enthusiastic sportsman, who enjoyed a wide range of team sports. He was a particularly keen motorcyclist always willing to introduce sport riding to others, imparting his own specialist knee-down skills to any new rider.

"He will be remembered for his rich sense of humour and his sharp and clever wit. He was a very strong character, an outstanding technician, and a highly effective leader. Most of all, however, Chris was a gentleman through and through. This thoroughly professional soldier will be sorely missed by all in his Corps, and especially by all past and present members of this unit.

"All of us at the Army School of Ammunition send out deepest sympathies to his wife Gill, son Ben, and all his family."

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy.

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