| 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."
So very sorry...
For the loss of Jonathan. I am heartbroken for his family and fiancee, their loss is indescribable.
My son is in Jonathan's Battalion, I was so sad when he called to tell us the news.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and also Jonathan's colleagues and friends.
God Bless,
Julie
Rest in Peace Jon
Words really can't describe how I felt when I first heard the news. Though no longer with us my memories of Jon will remain with me forever.
I for one am honoured and proud to have known Jon and to class him as a good friend, he shall be missed.
I would also like to pay my respects to both Jon's Parents, family and fiancée...
Not forgotton
It's been quite a week. Myself and many other who knew Jon are still finding it hard to believe that such a briliant, exubarent, kind and caring person has left us. I guess there arn't right words - if any - to describe all the emotons I know that I feel at this moment. We all miss you, Jon. We are all thankful for the good times and you will not be forgotton.
Always A Friend
I knew Jonathan from both Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Cottesmore St. Mary's Primary School. He was always extremely cheerful, friendly and full of humour. I have a lot of fond memories of being with Jon and will always remember him.
While I sadly didn't stay in contact with him after college, I am really pleased to hear that he achieved so much and was able to live his dream of being a soldier. I'm extremely proud of him and proud to know such a brave, courageous, caring guy like him. He should be remembered by as many people as possible as not just a good soldier, but a good man who's a shining example to everyone else.
Condolencies and gratitude from a former officer and Lancastrian for a young life tragically lost in the service of his country. My prayers are with you.
In time your thoughts will be of the 24 years given to you and not as now of all that might have been.
We Will Remember Them
Sad to learn of your passing today through the old boy network. It was a pleasure knowing and serving with you. I am glad to see you went on to do great things and am certain you would have gone on to do many more. Your loved ones must be very proud of you, I know I am.
I was so sad when I heard the news, and still am. I am proud to have served with you, and shared the good times and the bad. You will be missed so much by everyone here, and my condolences go to your family and Fiance. Definately one of the good guys, and we are all the better for knowing you.
Goodbye Jon
You were a great friend Jonathan, it was a pleasure to have known you and served with you. My sincere condolences to your family and fiance. This is a tragic waste of life. You'll never be forgotten. You were one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met. Farewell my friend.
What a tragic waste of life. my brother was also killed in iraq in july 06. i know the pain that you are going through is unbearable. all i can say is try and stay close to eachother, stay strong, hold your head high and be immensely proud of a very brave man. take each day as it comes as i know its to hard to look any further than today. dont be afraid to cry, its sometimes a release. take care my friends, my heart breaks for you also, love violet xxx
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