IT was late afternoon 10 days ago when the first news reports began to filter through that a RAF Hercules had crashed in the Iraqi desert north of Baghdad killing all 10 men on board.

It was the biggest single loss of life to hit British forces since military action in Iraq began and occurred hours after polling closed for the first democratic elections held in Iraq for decades.

Among the dead were two men from Swindon: Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, 42 from Stratton St Margaret and Flt Sgt Mark Gibson, 34, of Sparcells.

The others who died were Sqdn Ldr Patrick Marshall, who served with the RAF's Strike Command at High Wycombe, Flt Lt Andrew Smith, Flt Lt Paul Pardoel, Chief Technician Richard Brown, Sgt Robert O'Connor, Corp David Williams all from RAF Lyneham, and Acting Lance Corp Steven Jones of the British Army.

Flt Lt Pardoel was the first to be named within hours of crash by the Australian State Department.

He was the first Australian to be killed since the beginning of offensive action in Iraq in 2003.

Since the crash politicians have paid tribute to the dead.

RAF Lyneham's Station Commander, Grp Capt Paul Oborn said: "The crew, support personnel and passengers on board were playing a vital role in helping to deliver democracy to the local people. They will be sorely missed."

"This team was one of our best.

"Team spirit, self discipline, professionalism in the air and a sense of humour were characteristics of this crew and we could all certainly learn a lot from them."

Prime Minister Tony Blair, in a speech to the House of Commons said: "I am sure the whole House will join with me in paying tribute to the brave personnel, both Royal Air Force and Army, who were on board the RAF Hercules which tragically crashed on Sunday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those on board at this sad time."

Hercules XV179 was flying from Baghdad's International Airport to the US-controlled airfield at Balad when it came down in clear weather scattering wreckage over a wide area.

Within hours of the accident, Arab militant groups claimed responsibility for the crash saying they had brought the aircraft down with an anti-tank missile, but the Ministry of Defence has not confirmed any details.

It has also been reported that experts are focusing on the possibility that explosives in the plane's cargo hold detonated.

A full investigation into the tragedy is well-underway with all the wreckage required now in the hands of investigators, although the cause of the accident is not likely to be revealed for many months.

Anthony Osborne