RAF Lossiemouth pay tribute to technician killed in A96 crash

RAF Lossiemouth is paying tribute to a technician who died following a crash in Huntly last week.

Corporal David Thorne died after his red Honda motorbike was involved in a two-vehicle collision on the A96 on Tuesday, 5 March.

The collision occurred during a period of leave for the 43-year-old who was enjoying "precious time" with family.

A statement released by RAF Lossiemouth described David as "first and foremost a family man" to his wife, three children and two grandchildren.

It read: "Known as David to his family, ‘Dave’ to his colleagues, and ‘Our Dai’ to his friends back in Wales, Corporal Thorne was married, with three children and two grandchildren.

"And while the RAF will deeply mourn his passing, the thoughts of everyone at RAF Lossiemouth are firmly with his wife Michelle, his mother Sally, his father Graham, his children Aaron, Katy and Ash, and his grandchildren, Lauren and Miles.

"David achieved much during his RAF career and his vast contribution had led to him recently being selected for promotion to Sergeant, an achievement which reflected his professionalism, leadership, and ability as an aircraft technician."

David, who was originally from Cwmbran in Wales, joined the RAF after leaving school and arrived in Lossiemouth in 2007.

His colleagues on 1 (Fighter) Squadron have paid tribute to a teammate and friend.

RAF Lossiemouth Station Commander, Group Captain Jim Lee, said: “All of us at RAF Lossiemouth are joined together in grief following the sad loss of one of our dear colleagues, Corporal Dave Thorne.

"Having served here for over 16 years, spanning the Tornado and Typhoon eras, he made a huge contribution right across the Station.

“He cared about people and was passionate about improving their day-to-day life in work. He lived the values we hold dear on our Station and his loss is felt by us all.

"Most importantly, he was a son, husband, and father. His family are deep in our thoughts at this difficult time, and we stand ready to support them with whatever they may need.”

Colleagues pay tribute to "fine teammate and friend".

Officer Commanding 1 (Fighter) Squadron, Wing Commander Edward Morris, said: “Dave was a highly valued and respected member of 1 (Fighter) Squadron who exemplified the meaning of service and duty to the RAF and his country.

"His talents were noticed well before he joined 1 (Fighter) Squadron, and we were extremely grateful to have Dave posted to us in 2023 where he quickly integrated and established himself as a highly committed and professional member of the team.

“Dave’s approach was always selfless. He was especially focussed on supporting others to improve their experience on the Squadron, particularly for our very junior members who he regularly assisted after hours.

"Always ready to put others before himself he truly embodied leading by example. Dave fully deserved his overdue promotion to Sergeant where he would have been even better placed to develop those who were fortunate to be his colleagues.

“Dave’s passing leaves a huge hole in 1 (Fighter) Squadron and the wider community at RAF Lossiemouth. He will always be remembered as a highly valued member of our team and deeply missed by all who knew him. In Omnibus Princeps.”