Tributes paid as RAF mourns loss of highly decorated officer

Tributes have been paid to a highly decorated RAF officer who has died.

Wing Commander Adrian Gillespie served a distinguished career which included operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Africa, the Royal Air Force said.

He was awarded the General Service Medal Air Operations Iraq, Operational Service Medal for Service in Afghanistan Zone 1 with Clasp and General Service Medal 08 with Eastern Africa Clasp.

Wng Cdr Gillespie also received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2014 and held Queen Elizabeth II's Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals.

A statement from the RAF said: "The Royal Air Force is saddened to announce the passing of Wing Commander Adrian Gillespie.

"The entire RAF Family's thoughts and prayers are with Adrian's wife Donna, family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

He was most recently posted to Nato's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium, where the RAF said he was a "much-respected member of the Nato community".

There, he and wife Donna helped to organise numerous events and activities, from foreign language classes to park runs, cricket and mess functions, with "an infectious enthusiasm and desire for inclusivity".

"Wing Commander Adrian Gillespie will be sorely missed by all of his service and Nato colleagues and friends who will come together to support Donna and the family as best they can," the RAF added.

General Sir Tim Radford, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, reflected: "Wing Commander Adrian Gillespie had a tremendously positive influence on the Nato family.

"An inspiring leader and a kind-hearted colleague, he led by example and has done much to enhance the UK's reputation within Nato.

"He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna, his family, and friends."

Air Commodore Kilvington, UK National Military Representative SHAPE, said: "In addition to his superb professional reputation, Adrian was a tremendous figure in the community.

"From playing cricket for SHAPE to running the BRITFETE Dog Show, he brought energy and positivity to a huge range of activities and his loss will be felt by us all.

"Our thoughts are with his family as they try to come to terms with their terrible loss."