| Location | Hove |
| Age | 25 years |
| Date of Birth | 6/1982 |
| Visitors | 4,008 since 07/02/2007 |
| Creator |
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke, 24, of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
died as a result of injuries sustained by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against his
patrol in the As Sarraji District of Basra City.
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke was serving with Chindit Company, based at the Old State
Building in the centre of the city. He was commanding a patrol of Warrior Armoured Fighting
Vehicles, which were travelling to Basra Palace, the Headquarters of the Basra City South Battle
Group, when the incident happened.
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke
Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke was born on 13 June 1982. He lived in Hove and joined the
army at the age of 22. Engaged to Laura he was due to get married in August this year.
On 8 May 2005, Second Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke began his army career at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst. On completion of his officer training and Infantry Platoon Commander's
Battle Courses he reported for duty with 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment,
serving on operations in Basra City, southern Iraq.
Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke had been in Iraq since the New Year and was always asking questions,
trying to improve how he did business and seeking the best solutions to problems. Diligent and eager
to learn, he was a very promising young officer who had a bright career ahead. He was excited about
being in Iraq and proud to be leading his Kingsmen, the soldiers serving under his command.
He demanded nothing but the very best from and for his Kingsmen. They in return respected him and
were extremely fond of him. They saw him as a caring and compassionate leader who despite having
only been in command for a relatively short time had made a huge impression on them. To a man they
feel privileged and honoured to have had him as their Platoon Commander.
Known as 'BC' to his friends, Second Lieutenant Bracho-Cooke's brother officers will
remember him as a cheerful and friendly person who always had time for those who needed it. They
particularly liked his ‘off the wall' sense of humour which manifested itself in various
ways, either by keeping them up late with his antics or by waking them up with the offer of a jaffa
cake.
He was devoted to his fiancée Laura and whilst others discussed buying new cars and going on
holidays on their return to the UK, he would talk passionately about wedding plans and spending
quality time with her. Hugely talented and extremely popular he will be remembered as a loving
fiancé, talented officer, comrade and friend.
Second Lieutenant Chris Ibbotson, who went through training and joined the Regiment with Second
Lieutenant Jonathan Bracho-Cooke, said:
"He was faultless; the nicest guy you could hope to meet. His sense of humour was key to who he
was. He was fit too and a better runner than most, no matter how many cigarettes he smoked."
Always
Always
As the sun starts to rise,
I'm with you
When you hear a bird sing,
I'm there
For each raindrop that falls,
think of me
And the love that we'll
always share
In the rush of the wind
feel my touch
In the quiet of night
hear my voice
If you start to stumble
take my hand
And know that it was
my choice
When tears start to fall feel
my comfort
If you feel low share
my pride
Don't ever think that you've
lost me
For I will always be there
by your side
Thank you all for your tributes.
It is a blessing that he knew so many people and had so many friends.
I miss my Juanito soo much as i can understand everyone misses him.
Lucy xxxx
Familia Bracho Cooke
Soy hermana de Irma Hoyo, mis sobrinas tuvieron una buena relaciòn con Jonathan, a quien no conocì en persona solo por plàticas, desde aqui le pido a Dios por que les mande a sus padres y hermana la conformidad, por que el seguro esta ya en la gloria. Dioss los bendiga y reciban un fuerte abrazo, ojala y puedan leer mi mensaje, disculpen pero no hablo ni escribo inglès.
My deepest regrets
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My mum Christine was deeply sadden for you to loose such a promising star. I pray that you all pull together and know that we all send our love and respect to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Its a shame to hear of such a traggic passing of some one who you spent time with as a child.
God bless xxxxx
Queridos Jonathan, Pati & Lucy
You don't need to look back to find Jonathan Carlos's Memories or feelings. His life touched so many people and his soul is so strong that he is around you and will keep his spirit and good energy for as long as you need it. A true lovely little boy..a true amazing human being.
Con todo mi corazon,
Tika & family
We worked together and would go in togther in the mornings-I know it sounds cliche but he really did brighten those mornings for me... He was such a good, decent guy in a way that is nearly rare these days and on top of that he was just really fun to be with. My thoughts are with his family and fiancee. X
Sad Loss
I knew Jonathan when we were kids and we went to the same schools. I was so sad when I found out about Jonny's passing. My son Charlie was born a few days earlier. I really feel for Jonathan sr and Patty as they have lost their son. Lucy, you and Jonathan gave my brothers Simon and Michael and I such happy and funny memories when we were kids and we only have good memories of those times. He achieved so much given that the odds were against him in many ways. He's an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten.
Paty, Jonathan and Lucy
We will never forget his friendly smile, his tender heart, his warm personality and his outstanding courage. We are very proud of him and will always keep him in our hearts and prayers.
God bless you.
Pray from him
I am Ahmet , 28 from Turkey. I never met and knew Jonathan. I just read some news about him.He died to defend a free world and civilization. Let me share your pain . Because, i am , as a free citizen of the civilization, owe something to him and many others who died for defending civilization. May Lord bless him.Kind regards, Ahmet
We would like to send our condolences to the Bracho-Cooke Family, Jonathan, Paty and Lucy, for their recently lose. We had the chance to know him every time he came to Mexico and we have to say he was a wonderful kid. We never met Laura but also our condolences for her.
If we can help in any way, do not doubt in asking, remember we consider you family as well.
Andrea, Daniel and Gaby
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