Peter Abbott OBE

ALT Statement from John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence: This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East. I want to thank all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation – for their professionalism and their courage. They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our Armed Forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

ALT The coffin of Lance Corporal George Hooley returns home to the UK.

ALT Extract from George's personal letter home, shared at the request of his family. 'If you're reading this, it means I didn't make it home. Please don't let that be the thing that breaks you. You know I was doing what I believed in as well as loved, with people I respected, and for reasons that mattered to me, my country and democracy and freedom in this world. I was proud of what I was doing. Don't remember me with sadness and loss. Be proud. I went out doing what I trained to do, what I chose to do, and I had all of you in my heart the whole way'.