One of the best

FAMILY and friends of Swindon servicemen who died in the Hercules crash have described the agony they are going through.

Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, 42, of Griffiths Close, Stratton St Margaret, and Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, 34, of Gairlock Close, Sparcells, were among the ten men killed when the plane from RAF Lyneham came down in Iraq.

Nine RAF personnel and one soldier died in Sunday's crash north of Baghdad which was the biggest single loss of life to hit UK forces since military action in Iraq began.

Mr Nicholson's family was too upset to talk yesterday but released a statement to the Advertiser.

It read: "While we appreciate the concern and sentiments, we would ask that the press allow the family some additional time to grieve as we find it too upsetting to talk about it and would ask to be treated with some respect at this moment in time."

Mr Nicholson, who joined the RAF in April 1982, has been described as a "giant of a man." He leaves two sons, Adrian and Stuart, and his girlfriend, Rachel.

Neighbour Debbie Harris, 49, said residents had been left reeling by the tragedy.

"He was so popular the whole neighbourhood is feeling this," she said.

"I just keep expecting him to come home. I can't believe he's gone.

"I think he moved in about five to six years ago. He was happy all the time, easy going and would do anything for anyone.

"I spoke to him the day before he left and he was really lively. He never moaned about going.

"I had to take a day off work when I heard what happened. I just think he died needlessly and I keep questioning why it happened because he was one of the best."

Among the floral tributes left outside RAF Lyneham was one with a card bearing a special message for the father-of-two.

It read: "For Gary Nicholson, the sunniest person we ever knew. Missed forever, Jo, Ade and Jazzy."

The immediate family of Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson were too upset for interview yesterday but his cousin Clare Bateman-Jones, a nurse from Cardiff, said the news had come as a complete shock.

"Mark loved being in the RAF and couldn't wait to join when he left school at 18," she said. "He was always such a happy guy, easy to be around, very laid back. It's terribly sad."

Mark went to school in Rhiwbina and Llandaff before the family moved to Pembroke-shire, where his father, Sam, was based at RAF Brawdy.

After finishing his schooling in west Wales, Mark was keen to follow in the footsteps of his father.

He joined the RAF in 1987 and was a golf fanatic who was described as one of life's entertainers.

Mark also served in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.

He leaves a wife Sheila and seven-year-old daughter Poppy, his father and two younger brothers Neil, also a load master in the RAF, and Paul.

Andy Humm, 45, a former engineer at RAF Lyneham, who knew sergeant Robert O'Conner and chief technician Richard Brown, who also died in the crash said: "Both guys were real characters. They were good to be around and always cheerful.

"They will be sorely missed. When I first heard what happened I felt truly saddened."

One of the ten men that died is believed to have links with a Sister in the Woodpecker Ward at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

A source said: "Everyone is really down about it. They were really tearful on the ward."

The family of Steven Jones asked not to be contacted by the media but issued a statement through the MoD paying tribute to him.

It said: "Steve worked hard, played hard and lived life to the max whether it be skydiving or bungee jumping.

"Words will never be able to express the loss that we feel today.

"He was always adventurous, fun loving and had a wicked sense of humour. Steve will forever be in the hearts of those that knew him best.

"The family would like to request that they and his friends are allowed to grieve together in peace."

Acting Lance Cpl Jones was from Fareham, Hampshire.

RAF Lyneham said that the captain of the Hercules C130 was Flight Lieutenant David Stead.

A neighbour on his street, in Lyneham, said that his wife had given birth to their second child only a couple of months ago.

"He was a nice guy," said the neighbour, who asked not to be named.

"I only met him a few times and did not know him very well, we only moved here in July.

"His wife only gave birth a couple of months ago."

The neighbour told how Flt Lt Stead also had a two-to-three-year-old daughter.

She added: "This whole thing is so dreadful, so tragic."

The others killed were Fl Lt Andrew Smith, Fl Lt Paul Pardoel, Corp David Williams, all from Lyneham and Sqdn Ldr Patrick Marshall.

'A sad loss'

MORE than 40 floral tributes have now been left outside RAF Lyneham.

Since the crash, a steady trail of family, friends and colleagues have left bouquets.

Messages on the flowers included:

"You paid the price in the name of freedom. Your gallantry will not be forgotten. I am proud to have served with you all."

"You went doing what you loved- now you get to fly forever."

"A very sad loss for a brave group of soldiers. Sincerely in our thoughts."

"Always remembered in our hearts, never to be forgotten old drinks boys."

"In memory of Bob O'Connor. A true friend and genuine gent with a heart of gold. You will never be forgotten. God rest your souls."

Clive Fuller, 48, of Nine Elms, West Swindon, left a floral tribute yesterday afternoon.

He said: "I left it for my dad Harry, who used to be an armourer on Spitfires."

I think this has hit the whole country hard. It must be terrible for the families affected."

Ben Payne