Soldier killed in crash - after surviving Basra

May 8 2008 by Dave Edwards, Rhondda Leader

A 20-year-old soldier who cheated death while serving in Iraq last year has been killed in a car crash in Oxfordshire.

Private David Liddon, of Brynhyfryd Street, Tylorstown, died when the black Vauxhall Corsa he was travelling in flipped on the southbound carriageway near Drayton.

The collision on the A34 which involved the Vauxhall Corsa, a lorry and a breakdown truck also resulted in a chemical spillage.

Pte Liddon was a radio operator in Basra last year and came under attack when an improvised explosive device detonated, shattering the windscreen of the vehicle he was travelling in but fortunately he escaped serious injury.

A colleague said that he told his officers that he was desperate to get out of the field hospital, as he was concerned that he was no longer doing his job.

Commanding officer, Lt Col David Roberts said: “During the 2007 tour of Iraq, Pte Liddon really came of age.

“The tour was the defining moment of a tragically short career, which looked so very promising.

“He will be sorely missed by all those who lived and served with him, both in Basra and at Dalton Barracks.”

Pte Liddon joined the Army in 2006, and completed his basic training at Pirbright.

He then trained as a driver/radio operator, and on completion of his radio course, joined 3 Logistic Support Regiment in Abingdon.

Before leaving for Iraq last year Pte Liddon told the Leader: “Basra is too hot. I’ll be looking forward to a pint of lager with my cousin Lee buying the round, the rugby, and a lie-in after a night at the Tylorstown Conservative Club when I get back.”

In total, the southbound carriageway between the Marcham Interchange and Didcot was closed for almost eight hours.

There were also delays on the northbound route.

Following the collisions Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue sent two crews from Abingdon, the rescue tender from Kidlington, and the heavy rescue unit from Didcot.

The police helicopter was also scrambled and took one of the injured motorists to hospital.

Pte Liddon’s grandmother Christine Harries, of Brynhyfryd Street, Tylorstown, said: “The family have been devastated by the news. David was a lovable rogue who was liked by everyone.

“I have received several letters paying tribute to him. He loved being in the Army and was set for a very successful career there.”

The funeral of Pte Liddon will take place on Thursday (May 8) with a service at the family home in Edmondes Street, Tylorstown at 11am followed by burial at Trealaw Cemetery at noon.