A British soldier was killed in Iraq last night, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier, from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, was killed by small arms fire in Basra, the ministry said. Next-of-kin have been informed

The latest death brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in Iraq since the 2003 invasion to 166, of whom 130 have died in action.

Today's announcement came as another British soldier, killed in a small arms attack in southern Iraq yesterday, was named as Private Craig Barber, 20, from Ogmore Vale in Wales.

Iraq timeline: five years of conflict

From accusations that the weapons of mass destruction dossier had been sexed-up to withdrawal of British troops from Basra

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Pte Barber, a married father of one, joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh in 2004 and was on his second tour in Iraq when he was killed.

Fellow soldiers revealed he had been due to return home on leave this month to celebrate his first wedding anniversary with wife Donna and three-year-old son Bradley.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel JFP Swift, said: “Craig married Donna in August last year and was looking forward to their first anniversary. He had arranged his leave in order to be there.

“He was a caring, loving father to Bradley who turned three only last month. He has always been a physically imposing guy and had a larger than life personality.

“He was one of the characters in his platoon and was much liked by all his colleagues. We will miss him badly but our thoughts and prayers are with Donna, Bradley and Craig’s other family as they cope with this tragedy.”

He added: “Craig died as he lived: working for others and helping to protect them.”

Pte Barber was in a Warrior vehicle when he was killed late on Monday night as he took part in an operation to counter indirect fire attacks on Basra Palace.

Lt Col Swift said the soldier qualified only recently as a Warrior driver and had “never been happier”.

He said: “It appeared that he had found his role. He loved his vehicle and looked after it diligently.

“He was fiercely protective of it and would never let anyone else drive it. Why? Because he understood how important a fully functioning vehicle is to operations in Basra, and that it was his responsibility.

“If it worked, it would save lives. If it broke down, he would be putting his mates’ lives at risk.”

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