Fourteen personnel in Afghanistan Nimrod crash named
3 Sep 06
It is with very great sadness and regret that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of the fourteen British personnel killed following the crash of a Nimrod MR2 aircraft in Afghanistan on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Nimrod MR2 in flight
[Picture: RAF]
They are [follow the link for further information]:
Flt Lt Steven Johnson
Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flt Lt Allan James Squires
Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick
FS Gary Wayne Andrews
FS Stephen Beattie
FS Gerard Martin Bell
FS Adrian Davies
Sgt Benjamin James Knight
Sgt John Joseph Langton
Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam
Cpl Oliver Simon Dicketts, Parachute Regiment
Mne Joseph David Windall, Royal Marines
The Nimrod MR2 was based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland.
On hearing of the incident, Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said:
"This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."
Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, added:
"The loss of the Nimrod MR2 over Afghanistan earlier today is desperately sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of the brave and committed aircrew who lost their lives today, and our priority is to provide them all with the support they require at this extremely difficult time.
"As the Secretary of State has said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the aircraft was lost as a result of hostile action. A Board of Inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of this tragic loss."
The media are asked to respect the wishes of the families that they are not approached by the media at this difficult time.