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RAF airman killed on patrol is named
THE serviceman killed on patrol in Afghanistan on Monday has been named as 21-year-old Ryan Tomlin, of Hemel Hempstead.
Mr Tomlin was a member of 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment. He was taking part in a partnered patrol to reassure and interact with the local population in the Western Dashte area on the edge of Nad-e Ali district in Central Helmand Province when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire from an insurgent attack. He was evacuated by air to the field hospital at Camp Bastion where sadly he succumbed to his wounds.
Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin joined the Royal Air Force in October 2008, completing his Trainee Gunners Course in April 2009 before moving on to the Phase One Field Gunners Course. He was selected to join 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, based at Royal Air Force Honington, in June 2009.
He arrived at an incredibly busy time for the Squadron and launched straight into Afghanistan pre-deployment training. Ryan completed his first tour in Afghanistan in 2010 as a specialist driver on a rifle flight (the RAF Regiment equivalent of a platoon), defending Kandahar Air Base. After returning from this successful deployment, he showed promise and desire to develop new skills.
He deployed on a second tour to Afghanistan with No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing at Camp Bastion in October 2011. From the start of the tour, he and his section supported Squadron operations out on the ground around Bastion with great skill and determination, often deploying for several days at a time through the harsh Helmand winter.
He was highly professional and skilful gunner who achieved all he set out to do in his three years in the Royal Air Force Regiment, and became one of the rising stars of his squadron and regiment, showing great potential for what promised to be the brightest of futures.
He leaves behind his mother and father, Diane and Kevin, and a sister, Michelle.
In a statement, the family of SAC Tomlin said:
“Ryan loved and lived life to the full. He gave his life at a very young age doing the job he loved. Ryan will be sorely missed by his family and friends and everyone who loved him.
“We will remember his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ryan will be forever young and never forgotten. Our true hero and shining star.”
Did you know Ryan? Post your tributes below.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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Comments
There are 9 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
EileenMaile
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 02:48 PMMy heart goes out to this family. Such a waste of life get our lads home.Although the lads and lasses tell you its our job. bless you all.
nickyasb
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:09 PMWhat a sad loss of a very brave young man with a promising career and life ahead of him, my thoughts are with his friends and family. R.I.P. Brave soldier xxx
lkjhgfdsa
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:50 PMMy thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. Its such a shame to read about such a young person losing their life in this way. R.I.P Ryan xx
SHARONA2
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:11 PMMy thoughts and prayers goes to the family of this very brave young man, RIP Ryan and I agree with cycs come on Mr Cameron grow a backbone and end this bloody war now before we lose any more of our brave troops
cycs
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 11:01 AMCome on Cameron and your cronies end this mindless conflict NOW !!!! there will be no winners only tragic lose to our countries loved ones, who serve this country proudness and dignity.. another sad tragic loss
PrivateDancer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 10:49 AMTerrible news, my thoughts are with this brave young man's family and friends. RIP Ryan
welcome1503
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 10:15 AMAnother young local life lost to this bloody battle, he is known though friends of ours as have been several of the services lives lost ...When will it all end and stop the suffering of parents and families, my partners 2 sons are also in the army and we worry when we here this, although one has already been out in Afghanistan who knows where they will be sent next. I know it their choice to be in the forces as was his dad many years ago but the worry is still there...Thoughts and prayers to the young lad's family.
djw73t
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 09:52 AMI know Ryan's mum & dad , Daine & Kevin & sister Michelle very well & my heart go's out to them, Ryan is a ture hero & will always be remembered. RIP Ryan.
Louise2725
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 09:51 AMSuch a sad waste of such a young life. A very brave man, my thoughts and prayers are with his family x x
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