Former Royal Marine named as first Briton killed supporting Kurds fighting Islamic State

 
Syria death: Konstandinos Erik Scurfield (kneeling) and Jordan Matson (second from right) (Picture: Twitter)
Standard Reporter4 March 2015

A former Royal Marine is understood to be the first Briton killed while fighting against Islamic State in Syria.

He was named by the Kurdish People’s Protection Unit as Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, from Barnsley, according to the BBC.

It is believed around 100 Westerners, including a number of Britons, have travelled to support the Kurds in the fight against IS.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of reports of the death of a British national in Syria.

"The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria, where all UK consular services are suspended.

"As we do not have any representation in Syria, it is extremely difficult to get any confirmation of deaths or injuries and our options for supporting British nationals there are extremely limited."

A statement on the Kurdish Question website read: "We can confirm that Konstandinos Erik Scurfield died in battle, probably in Hasakah although the full details are yet to be announced by YPG."

It said it had contacted Jordan Matson of the YPG who, when asked to confirm the death of a UK volunteer, said: "Yes, I am here with his body."

Former Royal Marine: Konstandinos Erik Scurfield (Picture: Twitter)

Mark Campbell, an activist on Kurdish issues, told the MailOnline he had spoken to Mr Scurfield's mother.

He said: "Because of potential language issues I volunteered to inform the family of his death, which I did and spoke to his mother on behalf of the YPG."

Last month a 19-year-old serving British soldier was returned to his unit after joining the Kurdish peshmerga.

It was reported that he left his base after telling his family he was joining the Kurdish military forces in their battle against IS because "these guys need our help".

In a letter to his family he claimed to have met other British people and a Canadian while there.

In December it emerged that two former British soldiers had travelled to Syria to fight against IS after feeling "compelled" to take up arms following the murder of aid volunteer Alan Henning.

Jordan Matson, reportedly a former US soldier fighting with the Kurds, posted on Facebook: "Words cannot describe how honored I have been to fight at your side Sehid Kemal (Konstandions Erik Sculfield).

"We were together from his first day here and you couldn't ask for a more disciplined warrior.

"Kosta as we call him was from the united kingdom and was born a Greek citizen. He served both in the Greek army and as a British Royal Marine commando up until he came here. He served with me in Jezza and Shengal.

"Kosta volunteered for every attack and guard duty opportunity. He wanted nothing more than to bring the fight to the enemy.

"I'm going to carry on your legacy brother, I will never forget you. I love you man.

"Save me a place up there bug guy."

He attached a picture which appears to show several foreign fighters and Kurds, with Mr Scurfield kneeling in the foreground, wearing military fatigues and holding an assault rifle.

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