MoD names personnel killed in Afghan Nimrod crash

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.

Twelve RAF personnel, all from 120 Squadron,were killed. They were: Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson; Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore; Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas; Flt Lt Allan James Squires; Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick; Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews; FS Stephen Beattie; FS Gerard Martin Bell; FS Adrian Davies; Sergeant Benjamin James Knight; Sgt John Joseph Langton; and Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam.

A soldier and Royal Marine also died: Lieutenant Corporal Simon Dicketts, from the Parachute Regiment and Marine Joseph David Windall.

The aircraft was understood to have been supporting a major offensive in Afghanistan in which Nato said that 200 Taliban fighters had been killed.

The cause of the crash is currently believed to be a technical fault, but an inquiry is now underway.

The Nimrod MR2 was based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland and it was reported on Monday that a day of mourning had been declared at the base.

Commenting on the incident, Defence Secretary 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. I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action."

(KMcA)