RockNet, the Headquarters of the RAF Regiment Network

Tributes have been paid to the oldest British serviceman killed in the wars in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Gary Thompson, 51, of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and another serviceman were killed on 13 April by a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

His family said Senior Aircraftman Thompson, a managing director in Nottingham, was "the rock and foundation of our family".

He had said his five daughters had inspired him to fight the Taleban.

Also killed in the blast near Kandahar Airfield on Sunday was Graham Livingstone, 23, of the Royal Air Force Regiment, from Glasgow.

He leaves one young son. Two other personnel were injured in the attack.

The men had been taking part in a security patrol in Daman District as part of Support Weapons Flight of 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, when the general purpose Land Rover they were travelling in struck a roadside bomb. His commanding officer, Squadron Leader Richard Langley described SAC Thompson, nicknamed Tommo, as "a consummate professional soldier and airman".

"He was not one to seek the attention, but was the voice of calm and reason who continuously supported the squadron's less-experienced gunners," he said.

I saw an interview with Gary Thompson's daughters after his funeral. They said that he had volunteered "to help" and to "make a difference" to the lives of the women in Afganistan.
A truly inspiring gentleman who didn't have to do what he did.
Every gunner my brother.
Per Ardua.