03/03/2008

MoD Names British Airman Killed In Iraq

The Ministry of Defence has named the British airman killed during a rocket attack on a base in Basra last Friday as Sergeant Duane 'Baz' Barwood.

The 41-year-old, who was attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force, was killed during a rocket attack on the Contingency Operating Base.

Sgt Barwood, from Carterton, Oxfordshire, joined the RAF in 1985 as an RAF Regiment Gunner and later transferred to become a Motor Transport Driver. He was promoted to Sergeant within nine years in the trade.

Group Captain Malcolm Brecht, Officer Commanding RAF Brize Norton, said: "Sergeant Barwood was an outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in every respect. An enthusiastic, loyal and dedicated member of the Royal Air Force, he was a willing volunteer for his tour of duty on Operations in Iraq.

"A caring and diligent man, with a larger-than-life personality, Sergeant Barwood was admired and respected by all those he led. As the Motor Transport Officer for the Airfield at Basra Air Station, Sergeant displayed natural leadership abilities, strong judgement and exceptional courage. He was a true professional."

Sgt Barwood leaves behind a wife, Sharon, and two daughters, Leanna and Rebecca.

His family released a statement, which said: "Sgt Duane 'Baz' Barwood was a much loved husband, father and friend. Baz will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He was a very proud and dedicated member of the Royal Air Force who gave his life for the job he loved.

"Baz cared about helping other around him - shown by his voluntary work as a First Responder for the Ambulance Service. His caring nature was shown in his family, social and service life. Baz lived life to the full and will never ever be forgotten."

Sgt Barwood's death brings the total number of British military deaths in Iraq to 175, since hostilities began in March 2003.

(KMcA)


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