Fiance's tribute (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fiance's tribute

THE bride-to be of a Tetbury RAF hero killed in Iraq has paid tribute to her charismatic, caring fiancee.

Chief Technician Richard Brown, 40, was among ten British servicemen killed when a giant Hercules transport plane crashed north of Baghdad on Sunday, January 30.

The popular Tetbury man and father of one, who died in the crash along with eight fellow airmen and a soldier, was based with 47 Squadron at Wiltshire airbase RAF Lyneham.

Marling music teacher Sharyn Jones, 29, lived with Richard in Tetbury and was due to marry him in July at St Mary's Church in the town.

"He was very charismatic, caring and honourable," she told the SNJ. "He had a fantastic sense of humour and was very easy-going."

She added: "I am very proud of him." Richard also leaves behind his beloved daughter Laura, aged 10.

"She loved her dad very much," said Sharyn. "She was very much a part of his life." A highly-motivated and focused serviceman, Mr Brown joined the RAF at the age of 18 and served in Afghanistan, Bosnia and the Falklands as well as the first Gulf conflict.

"He was a consummate professional to the end, very dedicated and committed," said Sharyn. "He was proud to serve his country and loved being in the Air Force." Tetbury vicar John Wright who was due to perform the couple's marriage in the summer said: "It is so sad. He was a very nice man."

Comrades at RAF Lyneham are also in mourning after the tragedy. Station Commander Paul Oborn said: "The whole of RAF Lyneham feels this loss intensely. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved.

"Team spirit, self-discipline, professionalism and a sense of humour were characteristics of this crew and we could all learn a lot from them." He added: "They will be sorely missed."

Experts are still trying to uncover what caused the tragedy, the greatest single loss of British life in Iraq since March 2003. The aircraft was travelling from Baghdad to a US airbase in the city of Balad, 25 miles north of the Iraqi capital.

Two separate terrorist groups claimed responsibility for the crash and footage said to show the aircraft being shot down was later aired on Arab television.