SAC Scott ‘Scotty’ Hughes
SAC Scott ‘Scotty’ Hughes, serving with Number 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, died from injuries two days after the accident. SAC Hughes was undertaking ‘decompression’ activities – a period of 36 hours spent at RAF Akrotiri, after leaving Operation Herrick before returning to the UK – when the accident happened. In a statement SAC Hughes’s family said: “Our beautiful, brave, fun-loving son has been cruelly taken away from us, but we know that Scott fulfilled his dreams by serving his Regiment and his country. “Words cannot express the loss we as a family are feeling at this time and a huge void will be in our lives without Scott forevermore.”
SAC Hughes was struck by a power boat while swimming, the MoD has confirmed. The vessel was operated by the Military Training Wing, British Forces Cyprus. Military chiefs have launched an investigation into the tragedy.
Squadron Leader David Crook, Officer Commanding 1 Squadron RAF Regiment paid tribute to the young SAC. He said: “Scott was an extremely professional and brave young man, who spent his last six months risking his life to protect and save others. “His death is a tragedy and words cannot express our sense of loss and shock. Scott was fiercely proud of his Regiment and we are fiercely proud of him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
SAC Scott ‘Scotty’ Hughes, joined the Royal Air Force in 2009 as a Gunner in the RAF Regiment. He graduated from basic training in June of that year and was posted to Number 1 Squadron RAF Regiment Popular with his colleagues for his sense of humour he was also respected for his ability and professionalism. He won the top student award on a Squadron Mortar Cadre and he was immensely proud to wear his Mortar Badge, friends said. On operations in Afghanistan, he was employed as top cover on the lead patrol vehicle as well as a signaller on the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) helicopter where he took part in numerous casualty evacuation tasks.
According to Wg Cdr Paul Weaver Smith SAC Hughes’ calm professionalism and willingness bore testament to his courage, determination and dedication to duty.
Wg Cdr Weaver Smith said: “Scott Hughes was a highly respected and utterly professional young man with a very promising career ahead of him in the Royal Air Force Regiment. “His tragic death has hit the Wing hard; our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time.”
1 Squadron RAF Regiment took part in a homecoming parade in Wootton Bassett recently. Regiment colleagues have paid tribute to the young gunner who played an active role on their latest tour of Afghanistan. SAC James Carpenter, B Flight, 1 Sqn RAF Regiment, said: “Scotty Hughes was one of the most professional soldiers I have ever had the honour to work with.
“He excelled at everything he did and he will be dearly missed.” Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Senior Aircraftman Hughes. “He was returning home from what I understand to be a highly successful tour in Afghanistan where he demonstrated to his colleagues and senior officers utter professionalism, courage and natural ability for his role as Gunner. “My thoughts go to his family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate Senior Aircraftman Southgate was part of the Kandahar Airfield Force Protection Wing and was conducting a patrol to protect Kandahar Airfield, and all who operate within it, from the ever-present threat of rocket attacks when he was killed by an improvised explosive device whilst driving his WMIK Land Rover. Senior Aircraftman Southgate was born in Bury St Edmunds on 10 March 1989 and was soon to celebrate his twenty-first birthday on operations in Afghanistan. He joined the RAF on 10 August 2008 as a Gunner in the Royal Air Force Regiment and quickly proved his potential during basic training at Royal Air Force Honington. He was identified early as one to watch owing to his natural soldiering ability and leadership potential that earned him the Frank Sylvester Trophy for Top Student on his Trainee Gunners Course. On completing training he applied for parachute duties and was subsequently selected to serve with Number II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment where he promptly qualified as a Direct Fire Weapons Specialist on Machine Gun Flight. He was attached to D Flight for his tour of duty in Afghanistan and deployed in January 2010. SAC Southgate was immensely proud to be a member of the Royal Air Force Regiment and even more so to be a machine gun specialist. A reserved character, he was an extremely fit and strong Gunner who was described as 'happy, compassionate and fiercely loyal to his friends, who consider themselves lucky to have known him'. He used his strengths for the good of the team in the selfless style in which he led his life.
"Senior Aircraftman Southgate was one of those Gunners that you wish you had more of in the squadron. He was devoted and worked tirelessly for his squadron and more importantly his friends."
Squadron Leader Matt Carter
SAC Southgate intended to remain with II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment for another two years before volunteering for a new challenge with UK Special Forces. However, his more immediate priority was to move in with his beloved girlfriend Caley of whom he openly spoke with loving affection. The heart-felt thoughts and prayers of his squadron and regiment are with SAC Southgate's loved ones, particularly his parents and his girlfriend Caley whose tragic loss is shared far and wide by his fellow brothers-in-arms. The RAF Regiment has lost a friend and an exceptional Gunner who had a glittering future ahead of him. SAC Southgate will always be remembered with fondness and admiration.
Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths was part of the Bastion Joint Operating Base Force Protection Wing and was conducting a patrol within the surrounding area of operation when he was involved in a tragic accident involving a Jackal patrol vehicle. The thoughts and prayers of his Squadron, his Wing and the Royal Air Force Regiment family are with his loved ones, in particular his parents and his girlfriend Chloe during this very difficult time. The Royal Air Force Regiment has lost an exceptional young man, with a very promising future ahead of him, but this is nothing compared to his family’s loss. Senior Aircraftman Griffiths will always be remembered for the proud and dedicated gunner he was and will always be.
Wing Commander Paul Weaver Smith, Commanding Officer Bastion Force Protection Wing said:
"Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths tragically died whilst on vehicle patrol within the Bastion Joint Operating Base area of operation, just short of his twenty-first birthday. Kinikki was the consummate professional gunner and, even at this early stage, had much promise; he will be sorely missed by all who knew him in the RAF Regiment. "Kinikki was serving his country by protecting a key UK operating base and he died whilst ensuring the security of others and enabling airpower. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and girlfriend at this very difficult time."
Squadron Leader David Crook, Officer Commanding 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment said:
"Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths was a young gunner with huge potential. He loved his job, took pride in his work, and gave his all to every task he was given. I could not want for a better Gunner. But more importantly, Kinikki was an affable, modest and thoughtful young man, who was a pleasure to know, and whom I had the privilege to command. He will be missed by all on 1 Squadron. Per Ardua."
Flying Officer Matthew Quinney, Officer Commanding B Flight, 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment said:
"Senior Aircraftman Griffiths was my signaller and right hand man. He was always positioned next to me on patrols and as such we were close, both on and off duty. At work, he was a consummate professional; always ready to help, and at weekends, we would run the cross country routes around RAF Honington and play football. "He was enthusiastic about his career in the Royal Air Force Regiment and we were planning to undertake the Pre-Parachute Selection Course together in March next year. I will miss "Griff" both personally and professionally. He was a fine Gunner and a good man."
Corporal Ryan David, B Flight, 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment said:
"Griff was a very hardworking soldier, always smiling and never complaining about any task given. Whilst working with him on the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), he would never need prompting to help casualties. "He would also work as hard as he possibly could, impressing everyone who had the pleasure to work with him. Griff was always happy and was an extremely fit person, who excelled in fitness and could always be found on the running machine during downtime. It was an honour to have had Griff in my Section, not just as an exceptional soldier, but as a close friend who always acted professionally and inspired everyone he met."
Senior Aircraftman Stuart Smith, C Flight, 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment said:
"Griff always had a smile and never a bad word for anyone. I know Robbo will miss his favourite phys partner. We started on "Basics" together, El-Alamein Flight, and I know on behalf of everyone, but especially Senior Aircraftman Robson we share the grief with your family. Rest in Peace Griff. Love you forever, Senior Aircraftman Smudge Smith and all those from El-Alamein flight."
Senior Aircraftman Christian Tee, C Flight, 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment said:
"Griff was a great friend and role model. I could always count on him to help me and watch my back both on and off duty. I will always remember his seemingly constant smile and his uplifting attitude towards everyone around him, no matter what the situation, whether it was on "Basics", the Squadron, or a night out. "Griff was always ready to help his friends with their troubles and without any thought for himself. Cheers buddy, for everything; you will always be missed and never forgotten."
Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths, from the RAF Regiment, was killed in a vehicle accident in Afghanistan on Friday 16 July 2010. Senior Aircraftman Griffiths, serving as part of the Camp Bastion Force Protection Wing, was killed in the vicinity of Camp Bastion, Helmand Province. Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths was born on 12 August 1989 and was soon to celebrate his twenty-first birthday. He joined the Royal Air Force on 15 February 2009 as a Gunner in the Royal Air Force Regiment and in July, on completion of training and passing out as "Best Shot", he was posted to Number 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, where he flourished earning the respect of his colleagues and peers alike. Kinikki was selected as his flight commander’s signaller and driver and it was whilst carrying out these duties that he met his untimely death. Senior Aircraftman Griffiths was hugely proud to be a member of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Regiment family. A naturally quiet character he was an immensely strong and resourceful gunner who always got "stuck-in" to any task and was an utterly dependable member of his flight and squadron. Senior Aircraftman Griffiths planned to complete his tour in Afghanistan, remaining on 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, and on returning to the UK was intending to complete pre-parachute selection training with a view to eventually serving with the UK Special Forces.
Senior Aircraftsman Paul Mahoney Serving RAF Regt SAC Paul MAHONEY, born 20 Oct 83, was killed tragically on 4 Feb 10 while participating as a member of 15 Sqn RAF Regt in the Adventure Training Exercise SNOW EAGLE, in Riedbergehorn, Germany. Known to his friends as Mo, SAC Mahoney was 26 years old and single. Enlisting on 10 Feb 08, he graduated from his Trainee Gunner Course in 2008 prior to joining 15 Sqn RAF Regt and deploying to Iraq as a BULLDOG AFV driver; he was among the last operational British Servicemen to leave Iraq in mid-2009.
Senior Aircraftsman Gareth Allen Serving SAC Gnr Gareth (Gaz) ALLEN of the RAF FP Centre, born 19 Apr 77, died on 18 Jan 10 at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, after a valiant battle against Leukaemia. He joined the RAF Regt in Aug 94 and, after winning the Frank Sylvester Trophy for Top Student on his Trainee Gunner course, was posted to 3 Sqn RAF Regt at RAF Aldergrove. During his time with 3 Sqn, he underwent operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, drawing praise for his courage and determination in the most arduous of environments. He is survived by his wife Michelle and three children.
Senior Aircraftsman (Acting Corporal) Marcin Pawel Wojtak was killed while patrolling close to Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan.
Leicester-born SAC Wojtak was a 24-year-old gunner from 34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment and was known to colleagues as "Big Ted". He died on Thursday, 1st October 2009 in an explosion near Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province. His family paid tribute to him as a "gentle giant who was admired for his caring nature and endless kindness" and "placed his happiness in the happiness of others". "His love of the military led him to a career in the Royal Air Force where he remained loyal and courageous to the end. "We are so proud of him. Marcin is a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and boyfriend."
SAC Wojtak was taking part in a regular patrol to prevent insurgents launching an attack on Camp Bastion. He was killed by an explosion while commanding his vehicle in the desert, south of Camp Bastion.
Marcin Wotjaj joined the Royal Air Force Regiment in 2005 as a gunner and served in the Falkland Islands and Kandahar. , He was posted to B Flight, 34 Sqn Royal Air Force Regiment in May 2008 where he served as a Rifleman. He deployed to Kabul in August 2008 for six weeks to perform Force Protection duties.
Number 34 Sqn RAF Regiment is based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, is tasked with protecting the security of the airfield at Camp Bastion to ensure that British aircraft can safely take off and land there.
Marcin Wotjak was was a lifelong Leicester City supporter from Croxton Kerrial, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
Corporal Dave Hayden MC, one of his colleagues, said: "Ted worked for me as my second-in-command. He was essential to the section and even more so to me.
"He was a big figurehead on the flight. Every lad on the squadron loved him. He was the big teddy bear who loved to help, whatever the problem."
Senior Aircraftman Tom Peterson said: "I knew Teddie for about five-and-a-half years. He was always thinking about others rather than himself. He enjoyed the more relaxed pace of the Falklands and Kabul but he never shied away from the faster pace that life in the regiment can bring. Our thoughts are with his family and his girlfriend, Sam."
Two RAF Regiment Gunners from Number 3 Squadron RAF Regiment Killed in Action in Afganistan
RAF Regt Gunners SAC Graham LIVINGSTONE, aged 23, of 3 Sqn RAF Regt and SAC Gary THOMPSON, 52, of 504 Sqn RAuxAF were Killed In Action on the evening of Sun 13 Apr in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan. Two other servicemen were also injured in the same incident. At approximately 1848 hrs local time, the men were conducting a routine patrol some two Kms west of Kandahar Airfield (KAF) when the vehicle they were travelling in hit a mine. Medical care was given at the scene and all four servicemen were evacuated to the field hospital at KAF. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team, two of the servicemen died as a result of their wounds. The injuries sustained by the other two men were not serious and, in fact, they have returned to duty.
Further details will be released shortly, together with funeral arrangements when they are finalised. Clearly, this has been a massive blow to the unit, but it has responded magnificently in the finest tradition of the Corps. Operations have continued without pause, and if anything with even greater steely resolve. Indeed, to do otherwise, would offer the greatest disservice to those who have given their lives in the service of their country, as well as succour to our enemies.
Sgt D Barwood formely of the RAF Regiment, killed in Iraq on 29th February 2008
Duane Barwood from Carterton, Oxfordshire, joined the Royal Air Force in 1985 as an RAF Regiment Gunner and later transferred to become a Motor Transport Driver. He was promoted to Sergeant within nine years in the trade, which is exceptional by any standard.
Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard was from Rainworth, near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. He leaves behind his loving family and fiancée Nic. In a statement, the Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, said:
SAC Matthew Caulwell was 22 years old, from Birmingham and had served on 1 Squadron since 2002. Better known to the Squadron as ‘Lip’, he was a true character known for his outgoing, gregarious nature. Though he was able to find humour in even the most difficult situation, he was also a true professional and his skills as a leader had been recognized by his promotion to Acting Corporal.
"He rose to this new challenge magnificently and the bearing and deportment of a junior non-commissioned officer came very naturally to him: his lads held him in the utmost respect and instinctively followed his example. Throughout all, his trademark good humour would keep up the spirits of his many friends, one of whom, SAC Greenwood said about him 'Lip was morale, when morale did not exist'. Loyal and unfailingly dependable, Matthew had a very bright future in the Corps and he will be sorely missed by us all.
As members of B Flight they were tasked on 19 July 2007 with protecting aircraft operating from Basrah Airport. Their job was to ensure that the ground over which the aircraft fly was clear from the threat of militia, who have tried to target the aircraft whilst they are at their most vulnerable, during take-off and landing.
During the early afternoon there were no aircraft movements and the three men were resting, prior to going out on patrol again. The COB came under rocket attack and tragically all three were killed instantly by the attack.
"Intelligent, determined and a fine comrade and fiend, he was as immensely proud to serve with 1 Squadron as we were to serve alongside him. He was one of us and his loss has been deeply felt by us all."
"To lose any member of our Squadron is a tragic blow to all who knew them, trained with them, laughed with them and fought alongside them. The loss of three such popular and professional men is simply devastating. Lip, Pete and Chris will be terribly missed by all of us on 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, and we will honour their memory by continuing to do our duty here in Iraq in the manner they embodied: with determination and pride. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time."
Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Caulwell
"The Squadron has been a close knit family throughout its 85-year history, and our ethos of mutual trust and dependence is never more important than when we are engaged on challenging operations such as now in Iraq. The loss of Senior Aircraftsman Caulwell, Senior Aircraftsman Dunsmore and Senior Aircraftsman McFerran has been felt very deeply by all the on the Squadron and by other members of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing.
Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, said:
During the early afternoon there were no aircraft movements and the three men were resting, prior to going out to patrol again. The COB came under rocket attack and tragically all three were killed instantly by the attack.
As members of B Flight they were tasked on 19 July 2007 with protecting aircraft operating from Basrah Airport. Their job was to ensure that the ground over which the aircraft fly was clear from the threat of militia, who have tried to target the aircraft whilst they are at their most vulnerable, during take-off and landing.
It is with profound sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deaths of Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Caulwell, Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore and Senior Aircraftsman Peter McFerran in southern Iraq on Thursday 19 July 2007.
The Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard of No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, in Basra, southern Iraq on Tuesday 7 August 2007.
Leading Aircraftman Beard, aged 20, was taking part in a routine foot patrol in the Al Waki district north of the British Base at Basra Air Station. The aim of the patrol was to deter indirect fire attacks on the base and reassure the local population.Leading Aircraftman Beard sustained a gunshot wound when the patrol came under attack as it moved through Al Waki Market. He was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital but sadly did not survive.
Leading Aircraftman Beard killed in Southern Iraq on Tuesday,7th August 2007"Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard had just turned 20 and had been with the Squadron since September, when he graduated from basic training with flying colours; an extremely proud day for his whole family but particularly for his sisters Victoria and Rachael to whom he was especially close. Better known to the Squadron as 'Beardy', he was outwardly a quiet man but this concealed a wicked sense of humour which would emerge at the most unexpected moments, usually when morale on his Flight needed a lift. "Strong, fit and an exceptionally gifted infantryman, he had such a bright future and had already set his sights on selection for special forces. I have no doubt whatsoever he would have succeeded in that as he did in all else. He was due to marry upon his return from Iraq and we all feel so deeply for his fiancée, Nic. "My words though, can never be as meaningful as those of his friends on his Flight."
Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Caulwell, Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore and Senior Aircraftsman Peter McFerran killed in Iraq on Thursday 19 July 2007
"Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, killed in Afghanistan - 31 Aug 07
It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge from C flight, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment in Kandahar Province, southern Afghanistan on the morning of 30 August 2007.
A civilian interpreter was also sadly killed in the incident and two other servicemen received minor injuries. Shortly after midnight local time, C Flight was conducting a routine security patrol around Kandahar Airfield when the vehicle SAC Bridge was travelling in was caught in an explosion.
All the casualties were evacuated to the ISAF medical facility at Kandahar Airfield by emergency response helicopter. Sadly SAC Bridge was pronounced dead on arrival and the interpreter later died of his wounds.
SAC Christopher Bridge, aged 20, from Sheffield joined the Royal Air Force on 12 June 2005. After successful completion of his Trainee Gunner Course, undertaken at RAF Honington, he was posted to 51 Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Lossiemouth on 18 November 2005. During his time on the Squadron he served in Southern Iraq between January and June 2006 providing Force Protection for Basra International Airport.
More recently, SAC Bridge had been deployed on Operation HERRICK providing Force Protection for Kandahar Airfield since April 2007. His role took him into the local community to deliver enhanced security, not only for the Airfield but also for the Afghan population. At the time of his death he was providing security for his colleagues as a top cover sentry for a mobile patrol.
SAC Bridge was an extremely popular and professional Gunner. He was relatively junior in rank; however, he was immensely dependable and hard working. His infectious sense of humour made him stand out amongst other Squadron personnel and he could be relied upon to raise a smile in adversity.
Squadron Leader Tony Brown, Officer Commanding 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said: "Senior Aircraftman Chris Bridge was a very competent Gunner, unassumingly professional and with a promising career ahead. Following operational service in Iraq, Chris had consolidated his position on the Squadron as a capable and enthusiastic Gunner whose likeable personality and witty sense of humour made him engaging to serve with. Passionate about travel, he had clearly made his mark on the Squadron and will be sorely missed."
Flying Officer Matt Jupp, Officer Commanding C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said: "Chris Bridge was a very well liked, motivated and hard working member of the Flight. A once quiet young man he grew into an adventurous, charismatic and intelligent Gunner. He was a high calibre member of the Royal Air Force Regiment and a generally good bloke. I will miss him."
Sergeant 'Oz' Bailey Senior Non Commissioned Officer, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said: "Chris Bridge was a member of C Flight for the best part of 18 months. He was a quiet and confident young man and well liked by all on the Flight. His one outstanding trait was his dry sense of humour, which always had us in fits. Never one to complain he worked hard for everyone. He will be missed by me personally and the rest of the gunners on C Flight."
Senior Aircraftman 'Parky' Parkhouse, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment said: "He was a good mate and when we worked together, Chris was nothing less than totally proficient and hard working. He was liked amongst the whole Flight and Squadron. He will be missed so much by everyone and forever in our thoughts."
Senior Aircraftman 'Burky' Burke, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment said: "Chris was a top lad and liked by everybody. He was always happy in a quiet way. Very well known throughout the Squadron for his dry sense of humour. Chris was on C Flight as a specialist machine gunner and will be missed and remembered forever. He will always be with us in our hearts."
Ms Nicolette Williams, mother of Christopher Bridge, said: "Christopher was my pride and joy; everybody is heartbroken who knew him. He touched so many lives. He died courageously serving his country and Queen and we are all very proud of him."
Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge was held in very high regard by his comrades and officers. His death is a tragic loss which is being felt by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades at this most difficult of times."
"His guidance to me and all who have been fortunate to work with him has been second-to-none. He was a caring, honest and refreshingly genuine person who will always be remembered.
"I have known Baz Barwood for 10 years, throughout that time he has been the most professional, loyal and committed Serviceman that I have ever met.
Corporal Ed Way RAF, a junior Non-Commissioned Officer Mechanical Transport Control on 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, said:
"Our sincerest condolences go to his wife and daughters at this difficult time, he often talked about you with immense pride and you clearly meant a great deal to him."
"On return from Op TELIC, Baz was due to be posted to the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton. Like everything else that he did, he would have excelled in this environment, passing on his knowledge and high personal standards to the new recruits.
"No task was ever insurmountable, and the impact that he had made on 903 Expeditionary Air Wing since his deployment had been significant. His ever-present smile will be sorely missed by all.
"Baz was an exceptional leader, whose friendly and flexible approach ensured that he had the respect of all who came in contact with him. I had only known Baz for 3 months, but it was a privilege to have worked with him, and an honour that I was able to call him my friend.
Flight Lieutenant Tom Cousins, Officer Commanding Supply & Mechanical Transport Flight on 903 Expeditionary Air Wing said:
"The thoughts of us all are with Sergeant Barwood’s family at this time."
"By morning, a plan had been formulated and mission-critical vehicles were resourced or reallocated in order to keep 903 Expeditionary Air Wing functioning as normal. Sergeant Barwood and his team’s efforts that week earned the Personal Commendation of the Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group."
"I also witnessed at first hand his bravery after a night-time rocket attack in January 2008 that damaged a large number of our vehicles. Under the distinct threat of further attacks, Sergeant Barwood and 2 colleagues identified which vehicles had sustained damage and who the vehicles belonged to. Their outstanding efforts that night set the tone for the way in which the Mechanical Transport Section would work to overcome the extraordinary challenges of the next few days.
"I’ll also remember him for his mischievous delight at solving the sort of unusual problems that are part of day to day life in Basra, usually achieved through some unconventional use of military equipment. His infectious pleasure at resolving these problems was recognised by us all and had a huge impact on morale.
Group Captain Mike Wigston, Commander 903 Expeditionary Air Wing said: "Sergeant Barwood was an outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer who was loved by his people and respected by all. I came to know him well and we had many a conversation about our shared experiences and his delight at his next appointment.
"In the very recent past, I shook his hand during one of those poignant 'in-the-field' ceremonies - his exemplary contribution during an incident at Basrah, alongside a group of his fine colleagues, earned him formal recognition. He is a human being one is proud to have known."
Air Commodore Mike Harwood, UK Air Component Commander and Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group paid the following tribute: "It is obvious to me that he was one of those characters who translates our theoretical 'Core Values' - respect, integrity, service and excellence.
"A caring and diligent man, with a larger-than-life personality, Sergeant Barwood was admired and respected by all those he led. As the Motor Transport Officer for the Airfield at Basrah Air Station, Sergeant Barwood displayed natural leadership abilities, strong judgement and exceptional courage. He was a true professional."
"Sergeant Barwood was an outstanding Senior Non-commissioned Officer in every respect. An enthusiastic, loyal and dedicated member of the Royal Air Force, he was a willing volunteer for his tour of duty on Operations in Iraq.
Group Captain Malcolm Brecht, Officer Commanding RAF Brize Norton, paid the following tribute: "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Sergeant Baz Barwood. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this extremely difficult time.
"We would ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time."
"Baz cared about helping others around him - shown by his voluntary work as a First Responder for the Ambulance Service. His caring nature was shown in his family, social and service life. Baz lived life to the full and will never ever be forgotten.
Sgt Barwood’s family have made the following statement: "Sgt Duane 'Baz' Barwood was a much loved husband, father and friend. Baz will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He was a very proud and dedicated member of the Royal Air Force who gave his life for the job he loved."
Sgt Barwood, 41, was based at RAF Brize Norton and attached to No 903 Expeditionary Air Wing. He leaves behind his loving family: wife Sharon and two daughters, Leanna and Rebecca.
It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Sergeant Duane 'Baz' Barwood, attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force on Friday 29 February 2008, as a result of a rocket attack on the Contingency Operating.