Tag: Karla Ellis

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After 11 years, Government apology to family of Wythenshawe soldier killed in Iraq “mobile coffin”

untitledThe family of Wythenshawe soldier Pte Lee Ellis who was killed in the Iraq war has received a letter of apology from Defence Decretary Michael Fallon about the circumstances of his death.

Pte Ellis was one of dozens of soldiers killed while travelling in a lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover, dubbed “mobile coffins” during the conflict in 2006.

Sir Michael Fallon wrote to a number of families apologising for delays in bringing in alternative protected vehicles “which could have saved lives”.

Pte Ellis’ sister, Karla told the BBC the letter was “cherry on the cake” following the victory in the High Court which recognised the duty of care the government had for her brother and other soldiers in the war. Continue reading “After 11 years, Government apology to family of Wythenshawe soldier killed in Iraq “mobile coffin”” →

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Poetry keeps the memory of Wythenshawe soldier Pte Lee Ellis alive

The sister of Wythenshawe soldier Lee Ellis who was killed in Iraq has told how her poetry and campaigning work to improve conditions for soldiers has kept her brother’s memory alive.

Karla Ellis is a founder member of the Bereaved Siblings Support Group, part of the armed forces support charity SSAFA and contributed part of her poetry to an exhibition at the charity’s London HQ at the weekend.

Private Ellis died aged 23 in Iraq in February 2006 after a  bomb exploded underneath his Army vehicle.

As well as performing and campaigning for change around the country she inspired a documentary by Minnow Films – The Legacy Of Iraq, raising awareness of the plight of families after the death of a loved one in conflict. Continue reading “Poetry keeps the memory of Wythenshawe soldier Pte Lee Ellis alive” →