The Fallen

A tribute to Corporal John Harrison: Tributes Paid To Soldier Killed During Journalist Rescue

"Cpl John Harrison was an immensely capable, self- effacing and highly likeable soldier with an irrepressible humour.

"His hallmark was an undemonstrative, yet profound, professionalism; he cared deeply about his work, and more deeply still about those he commanded and served alongside.

"He was an unflinching and inspirational man with a deep, deep pool of courage, who died as he lived - at the forefront of his men.

"He gave his life for his comrades and the Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him.

"Although his passing is a sad day for us, every member of the unit counts themselves privileged to have known such a tower of strength and we all are deeply honoured to have served alongside him.

"Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family and friends at this most difficult time.

"We hope that in the midst of their profound loss, they can draw strength from the fond memories that we all share of this remarkable man."

Harrison died rescuing NY Times reporter, Stephen Farrell, a man who hasn't exactly been falling all over himself trying to show his appreciation. Farrell's Afghan colleague, Sultan Munadi was also killed, and his body abandoned on the field of battle, a fact that has outraged Munadi's fellow Afghan journalists. This is Farrell's second War On Terror kidnapping. He was also kidnapped during the First Battle of Fallujah, an experience he describes in detail here, and from which he seems to have learned absolutely nothing (note that he gave away American troop positions in an effort to mollify his earlier captors).

It's an old story, but with its characters inverted. While British Tommies and swarthy locals have always died for the sake of rich westerners, it's telling that they are now laying down their lives for the sake of a media figure, rather than the adventurers, gold miners, and India hands of the old British Empire. The Times has editorialized against the war Harrison died fighting, has treated the military as little more than war criminals, and built its (failing) business around ginning up the outrage of the sophisticated Left. But, in the end, it demanded its perquisites, and obtained the ultimate symbol of elite privilege: the trading of one life for that of their own. It's good to be the king.

As for Farrell, I will paraphrase Justice Holmes: "Two Middle East kidnappings is enough." Maybe Farrell can take up William Boot's old gardening column.