Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, of the Royal Auxiliary Airforce Regiment, died in an explosion in Afghanistan on 13 April, 2008, at the age of 51.
He was one of two aircraftmen killed in the blast in the Daman District of Kandahar Province. The other man who died was 23-year-old Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingstone, of the Royal Airforce Regiment.
SAC Thompson, a father-of-five, joined the RAF in 1973 and left the service four years later to pursue a civilian career.
He joined No 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 2005 as a reservist. After completing a Basic Gunner Course the following year, he was given the badge of an RAF Regiment Gunner.
He went on to complete a Mortar Cadre Course with 3 Squadron RAF Regiment in February 2007 and was mobilised in October 2007, where he was assigned to Support Weapons Flight.
He was promoted to Senior Aircraftman in March 2008, having been deployed to Kandahar Airfield the month before.
The Support Weapons Flight of 3 Squadron was undertaking a patrol to protect NATO's Kandahar Airfield from enemy attack when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion.
SAC Livingstone and SAC Thompson were taken to the field hospital at Kandahar Airfield but died as a result of their wounds. Two other servicemen were hurt in the blast.
SAC Thompson, known as ‘Tommo’, was survived by his wife Jacqui and their five daughters, Laurie, 24, Aimee, 22, Jordan, 20, Jade, 17 and Kelly, 16.
The family described him as a devoted husband, father, son and brother who touched the lives of everyone who knew him," and said: "Gary was more than our hero, he was the rock and foundation of our family. Words cannot express how much he was loved and how proud of him we are. Gary, you have had our hearts from the beginning and now they are yours forever."
Officer Commanding 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, Squadron Leader Richard Langley said:
"He was the consummate professional soldier and airman, who took immense pride in his military service in addition to his civilian job as manager of Sherwood Ducting Ltd. Upon joining 3 Squadron RAF Regiment on mobilisation, Gary was re-named "Tommo". Fitting in immediately, his skills and humour were such that all held him in the highest regard.
"Tommo" 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 was immensely proud to serve with the squadron, as we were to serve alongside him, and he will be sorely missed by all."
Commander Kandahar Airfield, Air Commodore Bob Judson said: "These two enthusiastic, brave, popular and capable men have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst giving their best."
Report this message By Pete H on 15th Sep 2009‘Thoughts & prayers we share with you soldier, your families, your friends left behind. We know you have not gone forever, just gone before us. We will meet again.
GOD BLESS YOU - THANK YOU - REST IN PEACE .For Our Deceased Service Men and Women
You are all-powerful, God, and live forever in light and joy. Look with pity and love, we beg You, on those men and women who bravely fought and gallantly died for their country. By laying down their lives, they showed supreme love for others. Accept, we ask You, their sacrifice and their belief in the justice of the cause they died for. Let their offering not be in vain. Please forgive any sins and faults they may have committed. Speedily, we implore You, bring them into Your Presence where fear, sadness, mourning, and death cannot exist. Have pity in Your loving kindness on those they leave behind. In Your own unsearchable ways, make good for their absence, and lavishly bestow Your love and consolations on those deprived of their presence. This we ask in the Name of Christ, our Victor King. Amen.
"Let us pray for our faithful departed," published Franciscan Mission Assoc.
Report this message By Len Hames on 30th Jan 2009Gary although i did not know you personally, i was a full time member of the Royal Airforce Regiment, from 1977/1984, i was lucky enough to come back from both Northern Ireland and the Falklands.But for you my friend your luck did not last, but the love for you from your loved ones and friends is sent to you everyday from the Angels above, The love they send to you everyday is as strong has it always been now and forever, RIP Gary.
PER ARDUA,
Len Hames ex Rock.
Report this message By Allison Bailey on 17th Aug 2008May I offer my deepest condolences to all your family and friends. Gone but never forgotten - a true hero,who paid the ultimate price !!
I never knew you,but feel deeply for your family and friends,my brother is a Colour Sergeant in the Scots Guards with 16 yrs service and my partner was a Sgt and did 15 yrs service in the RE
- RIP xx
Report this message By michael hill on 12th May 2008Tommo, rest now and check your kit mate, say hi to Dunny and the rest of the section will be with you one day.
Life is not the same now you're gone bud, sleep well and I'll see you in the re-org
Report this message By Samantha Hopkinson on 17th Apr 2008You made a group of people so dear to our family,so happy. For that, we will forever love you. Our love to Jacqui,Laurie,Amiee, Jordan,Jade and Kelly, our thought are with you at this sad time.
We will never forget you and you will always have a place in our minds and our hearts.
Anne Rossi,Sam,Emily, Nicola Hopkinson xxx
Report this message By Louise O'Brien on 17th Apr 2008My family is deeply affected by this tragedy, as my daughter is serving with the R.A.A.F. a short distance from where S.A.C. Livingstone died. We send our love to his family, and pray for my daughter's safety.
Report this message By craig smith on 16th Apr 2008A true gentleman and fantastic husband and father. Look up the word family and you will find Gary Thompson in capital letters a sad sad loss. Was a privalage to have had a few beers with you Gary
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