RAF personnel gathered to mark the 20th anniversary since the loss of the crew of RAF Tornado ZG710 in 2003 (Picture: RAF). — RAF personnel gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of the loss of the crew of RAF Tornado ZG710 in 2003 (Picture: RAF).

Iraq

Tributes paid to only RAF aircraft and crew lost in Iraq War 20 years ago

Royal Air Force personnel gathered to mark 20 years since the loss of the only RAF aircraft during the Iraq war.

On 23 March 2003, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Barry Main and Flight Lieutenant David Rhys Williams died after their RAF Tornado ZG710 aircraft was misidentified as a hostile anti-radiation missile and was shot down by a Patriot air defence battery.

Memorials were held at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Amari Air Base in Estonia by members of the RAF's IX(B) Squadron, joined by members of the US and German air forces.

Speaking on behalf of the IX(B) Squadron Association, Flight Lieutenant Standen said: "Kev and Dave, you and your families are always in our thoughts, none more so than when spring comes around every year and the flowers bloom in the country you served so bravely.

"RIP dear friends."

The ceremony was led by the Wing Chaplain Major Simpson and attended by the Commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Colonel Buch, and the UK Defence Attaché, Captain (RN) Mulvaney.

Words were read from the families of the lost pilot and navigator by Flt Lt Standen.

RAF personnel gathered in Kuwait and Estonia to remember Flight Lieutenant Kevin Barry Main, and Flight Lieutenant David Rhys Williams who died in 2003 (Picture: RAF). — RAF personnel gathered in Kuwait and Estonia to remember Flight Lieutenant Kevin Barry Main and Flight Lieutenant David Rhys Williams who died in 2003 (Picture: RAF).

On behalf of Rebeca Main, he read: "Treasured memories are what we hold dear, fly high Kev and keep us near."

After the event, the readings were taken by Flight Lieutenant Standen and placed in a geocache-style hide overlooking the aircraft dispersal IX(B) Squadron operated from.

UK, US and German Air Force crews pay tribute to the RAF Tornado crew lost during Operation TELIC (Picture: RAF). — UK, US and German Air Force crews pay tribute to the RAF Tornado crew lost during Operation Telic (Picture: RAF).

IX(B) Squadron and RAF personnel deployed to Estonia as part of number 140 Expeditionary Air Wing held their own memorial service at the same time.

In a hangar at Amari Air Base in Estonia, personnel from both the RAF and German Air Force fell silent in remembrance.

They also listened to a heartfelt speech delivered by Officer Commanding IX (B) Squadron, Wing Commander Rich Leask, which said: "Flight Lieutenants Kev Main and David Williams will forever be in the heart of our squadron and will always be remembered."

At the time of Op Telic, the codename of the UK's operations in Iraq, IX(B) Squadron flew Tornado GR4 and was based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

ZG710 was the only RAF aircraft lost during the conflict. It was the second of a pair of Tornados, flying as part of a package of coalition aircraft, operating during the early part of Op Telic.