Tributes paid to Woodbridge soldier Connor Morrison who died in July this year

Tributes have been paid to a Suffolk-based soldier who died during a non-operational incident in July.

Connor Morrison was a member of the 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, based at RAF Woodbridge, and died on July 23.

An investigation into his death was launched after it was reported that he suffered breathing difficulties on July 21.

Mr Morrison joined the British Army in January 2021 aged 19. After completing his basic training at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, he moved to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment to commence specialist training.

He gained his Corps of Royal Engineers stable belt earlier this year after he qualified as a Class 2 combat engineer, before going onto qualify as a Class 2 logical specialist at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration in Worthy Down.

Following this, he reported for duty at the 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, and donned the coveted maroon beret.

Commanding Officer 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Crossley, said: "Sapper Morrison was a professional soldier with much promise. Keen and enthusiastic, he worked hard to achieve his goals at every stage of his training and impressed his instructors with his knowledge and skills.

"More importantly, he was a loyal friend and a genuine team player. In typical Army fashion, those closest to Sapper Morrison knew him as 'Tesco' or 'Sainsburys' in cheeky reference to Morrisons the supermarket chain.

"Sapper Morrison was quietly confident and sociable. He enjoyed chatting with friends whether it be whilst playing PlayStation or pool, on trips to Wetherspoon, or at the infamous Jackson Club Cafe in Gibraltar Barracks – so much so that he would invite his course mates to congregate in his room which was directly opposite the entrance to the cafe, so that they could all be first in the queue at opening time.

"Sapper Morrison was a truly selfless and kind-hearted professional soldier who made friends wherever he went.

"He proved himself to be a proud and loyal member of the Corps of Royal Engineers and will always be part of the Sapper family. Sapper Morrison will be sorely missed by the Regiment and all those he served alongside. We will remember him."

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said: "It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Sapper Connor Liam Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment.

"It’s clear from his colleagues that he had a passion for the British Army, made an instant positive impact on all those he served with, and always put the needs of his fellow soldiers above his own; a role model to all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time."