It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Corporal David Edward Williams, Royal Air Force, following the loss of an RAF C-130K Hercules aircraft over Iraq on 30 January 2005. Aged 37, he was a Survival Equipment Fitter serving with the Engineering Wing at RAF Lyneham, the home-base for all RAF Hercules.

Married with 3 young children, Dave Williams was a devoted husband and proud father. Colleagues remember him as a happy-go-lucky character, with a mischievous personality and a dry sense of humour; forever joking, making light of any conditions in any location. A member of the Royal Air Force for 17 years, he had amassed a wealth of knowledge and was a totally dedicated individual who epitomised professionalism.

The media are asked to respect the family's privacy at this very difficult time.

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