Troops killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash named

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/28/troops-killed-afghanistan-helicopter-crash-named

Version 0 of 1.

Relatives and colleagues of five British military personnel who died when their helicopter went down in southern Afghanistan on Saturday have paid tribute to them after their names were released by the Ministry of Defence.

The British government has rejected claims that the Taliban shot down the helicopter, while the MoD said initial investigations indicated a "tragic accident" rather than enemy action as the cause of the incident.

The crash of the Lynx aircraft, which is believed to have been part of a unit that provides support and transport for special forces troops, was the third greatest single loss of life among British troops since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Captain Thomas Clarke, Warrant Officer Spencer Faulkner and Corporal James Walters, all of the Army Air Corps (AAC), were serving as the aircraft's three-man team when they died after it crashed in Kandahar province, 30 miles from the border with Pakistan.

Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan of the Royal Air Force and Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas of the Intelligence Corps, who are believed to have been passengers on the flight, also died.

Clarke's family, which includes his wife Angie, said of the 30-year-old, from Cowbridge, south Wales: "We cannot express enough our devastation at the loss of a truly wonderful husband, son, brother and friend.

"He had an absolute passion for life and was the best part of us – we are all poorer today without him."

The family of Faulkner, 38, described him as an "experienced aviator, loving husband and hugely dedicated father to two children" who had been deployed to Afghanistan on numerous occasions.

"Spen was a loving husband to Cally and devoted father to Natasha and Jack, and will be greatly missed," the pilot's family said. "A huge gap has been left in our hearts forever. He has been tragically taken away whilst serving his country, a job he loved. God rest his soul."

Walters, a 36-year-old who was the helicopter's gunner, and was known as Bungle, was described as a highly respected non-commissioned officer and consummate professional who had seen extensive service in Afghanistan.

His relatives said: "We cannot begin to comprehend the tragic loss of a beautiful and loving husband, daddy, son, and brother. James has left a huge hole in all our hearts."

Chauhan, 29, from Birmingham, was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer when he died. Known as Rak to his comrades, he was described by his commanding officer as "charming, funny and sharp as a tack".

Thomas, 26, from Brecon in Powys, Mid Wales, had volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan and arrived there in December last year. His family described him as a "truly amazing person, living his life to the full, while fulfilling some of his many dreams and adventures".

The defence secretary, William Hague, rejected a Taliban claim of responsibility. "This appears to have been a tragic accident, although it is still being investigated," he told Sky News.

"It is a reminder of the work that our troops still do in Afghanistan. Of course at the end of this year we will come to an end of the combat role, or having our troops there in any significant numbers. But the work that they do is still dangerous, it is still very valuable in Afghanistan."

Major General Richard Felton, who heads the joint helicopter command, read a statement outside RAF Odiham: "All those within the joint helicopter command, in particular those stationed here at RAF Odiham, as well as those in wider defence, will be deeply saddened by this dreadful news.

"The investigation into this accident is ongoing but this is not the time now for speculation or comment."