HERCULES TRAGEDY: CANDLES were lit at St Peter's School in Chippenham yesterday as children remembered the father of one their classmates who was among those killed in the Lyneham Hercules tragedy.

The eldest child of Corporal David Williams, who was one of ten men killed when the plane crashed in Iraq on Sunday, is a pupil in class one.

Headteacher Sue Smith said she broke the news to the little boy's classmates on Tuesday morning.

"We split them into friendship groups for ten minutes and they talked about how they would support him when he comes back to school," she said.

"They wanted to send him a card and a present, and one child said he wouldn't ask too many questions. I briefly prayed with the class. They have been amazing."

Other people in North Wiltshire have also been mourning close friends and work colleagues.

Andy Humm, who runs the Lyneham village website, served with Ch Tech Richard Brown, 40, and Sgt Robert O'Connor, 38, at Lyneham for five years.

He was one of the first people to lay a floral tribute to his former colleagues outside the gates of the base.

"They were both responsible for making the aircraft serviceable, and were highly-skilled and professional men," he said.

"We knew Robert as Bob, and he used to ring me for spare parts. He was one of the elite.

"Richard was a bubbly guy and was lovely to talk to. He'd always help you out when you needed it.

"Both of them will be deeply missed and my sympathies are with their families."

Flt Lt Paul Pardoel, from Australia, had been about to return to his native Victoria. He and his wife Kellie had been living in Lyneham village and their children were pupils at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Malmesbury.

Kim Parnell, headteacher of St Joseph's said everyone was devastated to hear of Flt Lt Pardoel's death.

His daughters Jordan and Jackson are pupils at the school.

She said: "At this extremely difficult time all our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by the tragedy, but particularly Kellie and the children. The community at Saint Joseph's school will do everything we can to provide a caring environment which will offer support to the family in whatever way necessary."

Mrs Parnell added the school's library was open from 8am to 5pm for the public to reflect and pay their respects.

She said the school had opened a book of condolence in the library.

Mrs Parnell said: "All the children at the school have had circle time to discuss their feelings. Each class is also making a memorial book to send to the family.

Flt Lt Pardoel was an active member of the Parents Friends' Association.

"Most of us at the school have a connection with the forces. My own husband has been in the RAF for 29 years and this could have happened to any of us," said Mrs Parnell.

Richard Brown, known to his friends and colleagues as Richie, was due to get married this summer. Friends in the engineering wing at RAF Lyneham said the 40-year-old divorcee had planned to wed in July.

Malcolm Petch, chairman of Lyneham Parish Council, said he would be sending a letter of condolence to the station commander.

There are still 97 Lyneham personnel in Iraq as part of the coalition forces,.

Wrag Barn Golf Club in Highworth, where two of the crash victims were regular players, has sent messages of sympathy.

Club member Pat Green said she recognised the face of Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones when she saw the news on the television. LCpl Jones had helped organise a number of visits of the Lyenham Golf Society to the club.

Mrs Green said: "He was one of the members of a golf society that arranged meetings here. Our condolences are with the families at this moment in time.''

It is also thought that golf enthusiast Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson of Gairlock Close, Swindon, had played at the club as a member of the Lyneham Golf Society.

The Lyneham heroes

Captain, Flt Lt David Stead

Co-pilot, Flt Lt Andrew Smith

Navigator, Flt Lt Paul Pardoel

Air Load Master, Flt Sgt Mark Gibson

Master Engineer Gary Nicholson

Chief Technician Richard Brown

Sgt Robert O'Connor

Cpl David Williams

Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall

Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones