Replies

Lieutenant Philip West RN

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Philip West was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

Phil, aged 32, lived in Budock Water with his fiancée Nicky who works as a nurse at Treliske hospital. The couple were due to be married in August this year and had been converting a barn together.

As a boy Phil lived in Carlisle, moving when he was 10 to Hoy Lake on the Wirral. He went to Salford University when he was 18 and joined the University Royal Naval Unit where he developed his interest in the RN. Having obtained his degree he joined Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1992 and commenced officer training. His parents recall how he had always wanted to fly and his decision to join the service made them extremely proud. Following Sea King Observer training he gained his wings in 1994. Phil served in HMS Invincible during the Adriatic deployment of 1996 and was awarded the campaign medal for his service.

Nicky and Phil met in Falmouth in 1998 when he was serving at RNAS Culdrose. Since settling in the region Phil, much to the amusement of his family, had become quite a countryman. He loved his dog Georgie and Nicky's four horses. Nicky's parents Steve and Sandra, who live in Budock Water, adopted him into their family and Steve introduced him to the game of golf of which he became a devotee.

Both families were looking forward to celebrating the couple's marriage in August and his tragic loss is so hard to bear. However, they have all been overwhelmed by the tremendous support that they have received from friends and family which is proving a great comfort.

Phil was known throughout 849 as "Stretch" on account of his height (6'4"). He was admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and always put those he was with at their ease. Nicky described him as, "patient, thoughtful and considerate." All those who were close to him miss him greatly.

Lieutenant James Williams RN

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant James Williams was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

James was the much-loved son of Vernon and Liz. He grew up in Winchester with his older sister Caroline. In 1994 he went to Liverpool University where he met his fiancée Sarah. James joined the Royal Navy in January 1999 and trained as a Sea King Observer. He was awarded his wings in July 2002. He joined 849 A Flight in January this year.

James was a very popular character in the Squadron, he and Sarah have many good friends, who are now providing tremendous support at this difficult time. They chose to settle in Falmouth where Sarah intends to practice as a dentist. The deployment to the Gulf was his first operational tour of duty. He was 28.

From an early age James had been fascinated by aircraft, he joined the Royal Navy in fulfilment of an ambition to fly and to serve his country. His parents recall how proud he was to wear his uniform and said that he died doing the job he loved most.

Flight Lieutenant Kev Main

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Flight Lieutenant Kev Main was killed when an RAF GR4 Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham, which was returning from an operational mission, was engaged near the Kuwaiti border by a Patriot missile battery.

At the family's request, no further details will be made available. We request that the media respect this decision.

Flight Lieutenant Dave Williams

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Flight Lieutenant Dave Williams was killed when an RAF GR4 Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham, which was returning from an operational mission, was engaged near the Kuwaiti border by a Patriot missile battery.

At the family's request, no further details will be made available. We request that the media respect this decision.

Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed in action near Al Zubayr, south west of Basrah, on 24 March. Sergeant Roberts was aged 33, was raised in Cornwall, and had latterly lived in Bradford in West Yorkshire. He was married, and had a child from a previous marriage. His family have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Piers Harkinson, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, gave this statement:

"'TC', as he was known, had a full and varied career in the Regiment. He joined the army in the summer of 1986 as a Junior Leader, during his training he excelled in all aspects of military life including sports. He left Junior Leaders in the summer of 1987 having reached the rank of Junior Sergeant and also held the Regimental Team Colours in rugby and Individual Colours in squash.

"He joined the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in August 1987. TC gained promotion very quickly and continued to demonstrate the potential he had for soldiering. On amalgamation between the 2nd and 3rd Royal Tank Regiments he was already a Corporal and was clearly ahead of his peers. He had tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Canada. In January 2002 he finished a two year posting working as an instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate training new recruits.

"TC continued his love of sport, and represented both the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and later the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment in rugby and squash. TC was an all-round professional soldier. A first class tank commander, a strong and affective leader with great depth or character who excelled under pressure. He will be sadly missed by all ranks, past and present, 3rd and 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

"All of us in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment send their deepest sympathies to his wife and family.

His wife, Mrs Samantha Roberts, issued the following statement:

"Steve's whole future lay within the Army; it was his life and he was very proud of his job. He was adamant that he was doing the right thing and said that he was doing it for the people back home and the Iraqi people. He was a unique man, who was very outgoing and sociable, and was loved by all who met him.

"I have been inundated by phone calls from people who knew him, who have been shocked and sorry to hear the news. We loved each other deeply - he is totally irreplaceable."

His mother, Mrs Marion Chapman, said:

"Steve loved Cornwall - this was where he was born and brought up. He always took a Cornish flag with him everywhere. He was the best son anyone could have. He made us laugh, he was the most perfect son ever. All his families and friends will really miss him."

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy.

Sergeant Steven Mark Roberts