British soldier Edward Vakabua died on 6 July, 2007 in a tragic accident at the hands of a colleague, while serving in Iraq.

He was a Fijian who had fulfilled a life's ambition to join the Army and had been attached to 7 Platoon, B Company, 4th Battalion the Rifles.

The rifleman was accidently shot dead by a fellow soldier messing around with a gun he thought was unloaded at Basra Palace in southern Iraq. Rifleman Aaron Kendrick, 20, was sentenced in September 2008 to two years in an Army detention centre for shooting his comrade in the head with a sniper rifle he was "playing" with in a bunk room.

Rifleman Vakabua, 23, was the 157th British soldier to die in Iraq since hostilities began in 2003.

He left his home in Fiji in 2003 to begin a new life of “travel, opportunity and adventure” with the British Army. Drawing strength from being in the army he enjoyed being in the company of fellow rifleman, and had “to be reminded and literally ordered” to take his leave and return home to his family.

Rifleman Vakabua had built up knowledge of British military history through reading books and had also got involved in custom British sports such as Rugby with “exuberant natural talent and grace.” Described as a “quiet and modest man”, he was well respected by all who knew him.

As a popular member of his platoon a fitting farewell was held for Rifleman Vakabua at a local chapel in Iraq. The service included hymns sang with “passion, faith and feeling” by fellow Fijians who had grown to know “a harmless soul who enjoyed his work and life in the army.”

The ceremony was described as: “a wonderful tribute to a fallen friend whose faith, courage, selflessness and simple decency defined him and inspired all who knew him”, by Commanding Officer Patrick Sanders.

Leiutenant Colonel Sanders, of 4th Battalion The Rifles said: “A friend, a cherished brother Rifleman, a proud son of Fiji - and one of whom Fiji can be deeply proud - has been lost serving our country on active service.

“Vaka embodied the proud, honourable and long tradition of Fijians serving in the British Army. These remarkable men from literally the other side of the world are the best possible ambassadors for their beautiful country that Fiji could hope for."

Captain Will Peltor added: “There was always a smile brimming under his quiet exterior and he was happiest whilst sitting at the edge of a circle of friends, laughing and joking with the others; his comrades from within the platoon and company.

“He showed how a Rifleman, through hard graft, perseverance and a sense of humour can develop himself and pull out the results when they matter the most- on operations.”

Only weeks before his death Rifleman Vakabua had himself sung at a ceremony of remembrance for his Company Commander Paul Harding who was killed whilst serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles.

Fijian members of B company paid their own tribute to Rifleman Vakabua, citing a biblical verse reads: “But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall soar on wings like eagles; They shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not be faint.

“Vaka was one of the youngest Fijian soldiers in the Battalion. Even though he was emotional, he was very proud to serve under the Rifles cap badge. His life will be sorely missed by everyone especially the families in Bulford. A fighter and someone who would never give up trying. We will miss you bro. His family back in Fiji will be proud of him. Born a Fijian, died a Rifleman,” they said.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Rifleman Vakabua. His family are very much in my thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with their loss.”