One of the soldiers killed yesterday in the battle for Basra was named tonight as Lance Corporal Ian Malone of Dublin.
The 28-year-old Irishman was a member of the 1st Battalion the Irish Guards and was serving with his regiment in Basra.
His family said they were devastated by his death but took some comfort from knowing he died doing the job he loved.
"Ian was a wonderful son, full of life and vitality, fun and wit," they said in a statement released by the British embassy in Dublin.
"His family and girlfriend are devastated to learn of his death. He had so many friends and so much to live for.
"He loved the Army and lived for the excitement and challenges that being a soldier brought."
Mr Malone's family said he was proud to be an Irishman and to be serving in the Irish Guards.
Lance Corporal Malone joined the Irish Guards in 1997 and served in the United Kingdom, Poland, Oman, Canada, Kosovo and Germany.
He was a valued member of the regimental pipe band.
His family asked the media to respect their rights to grieve in privacy.
Three soldiers died in yesterday's operation to take control of Iraq's second city.
PA