Group Captain Paul Oborn Ref: 75873-79THE ten service personnel killed when an RAF Hercules crashed in central Iraq have been described as among the best in the force.

At a press conference at Lyneham yesterday Section Commander, RAF Lyneham Group Captain Paul Oborn paid tribute to the men that died.

They are Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, Flight Lieutenant David Stead, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, Chief Technician Richard Brown, Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, Sergeant Robert O'Connor, Corporal David Williams and Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones.

"It is with great sadness that I'm here to announce the names of the personnel who are missing believed killed in the recent C130 incident in Iraq," said Grp Cpt Oborn.

"The whole of RAF Lyneham feels this loss intensely and our thought, prayers and deepest sympathises are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved.

"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."

Grp Cpt Oborn said the team worked closely, often in demanding conditions.

"This team was one of our best," he said. "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.

"RAF Lyneham and the Royal Air Force family as a whole are offering all the support and welfare we can to the families."

Grp Cpt Oborn said until investigations were complete it would be wrong to speculate on the cause of the crash. "We do not have any comment on the reports that the aircraft was shot down," he said.

"We would, however, like to thank everyone who has expressed their condolences and given messages of support."