Gifted Leading Aircraftman who died on duty in Iraq with RAF

Martin Beard, who died on 7 August, 2007, aged 20, was a loyal member of the RAF and described by his Commanding Officer as an exceptionally gifted infantryman.

Leading Aircraftman Beard of No 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, was a reserved character whose bravery and commitment shone through.

It was after graduating from basic training in confident fashion that he set his sights on becoming a member of the Special Forces.

Leading Aircraftman Beard lived in Ripley, Derbyshire. Having just turned 20, he had planned to marry his long-term girlfriend Nicola Parkin, on June 22, 2008. Earlier this year Nicola (20), set up an appeal fund with support from Lasting Tribute.

The appeal, run through the Woodland Trust, raised more than £2,500 so that an acre of woodland and a commemorative post could be dedicated to Martin's memory.

On June 22 this year - the day the couple should have been married - Nicola attended a dedication ceremony at Birches Wood, Ambergate, close to where they lived.

Many of Martin and Nicola's friends and family were there and Nicola spoke of how she met and fell in love with Martin.

Martin had been on patrol in Basra when the group he was with came under attack as they travelled through Al Waki market. He was struck by gunfire resulting in a fatal wound.

A dependable member of his regiment, he was the 166th member of the British armed forces to be killed in Iraq since operations began in 2003.

Nicola said: "We are all devastated by his death. He was a hero. We were due to be married and now I'm struggling to cope with the fact that he's gone."

Commanding officer of No 1 Squadron, Jason Sutton said: “Better known to the Squadron as 'Beardy', he was outwardly a quiet man but this concealed a wicked sense of humour which would emerge at the most unexpected moments, usually when morale on his Flight needed a lift.

"Strong, fit and an exceptionally gifted infantryman, he had such a bright future and had already set his sights on selection for Special Forces. I have no doubt whatsoever he would have succeeded in that as he did in all else.

“As we grieve for him, we here in Iraq can draw some comfort that he fell, weapon in hand, fighting for and alongside his comrades, doing the job he loved so much. For all of us, there can be no greater inspiration to continue to do our duty with renewed determination and fighting spirit, to live up to his legacy and our Regimental motto: Per Ardua – Through Adversity.”

Leading Aircraftman Matthew Brown, who underwent basic training with Leading Aircraftman Beard, paid tribute saying: “I first met Beardy on our basic training, where his confidence was obvious. We were busy but he always found time to talk to you and cheer you up.

“He was always up for going out with the lads and was a very happy person. After he passed out of training he planned to propose to his girlfriend of many years. He was so nervous, even though he pretended not to be, but when she accepted he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

“A few weeks later he was proudly giving away his sister at her wedding, showing off his new uniform: but that was him, a poser on the sly. When I found out I was going to be on the same squadron, the same flight, the same fire team and even his battle buddy, I told him that try as I might I would obviously never get rid of him!

“He was a great soldier with potential to go far and had a future planned in the Regiment. He will never be forgotten and remembered for the good things and times. Per Ardua.”

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: “Leading Aircraftman Beard was a very popular and highly promising young man who was a credit to The Royal Air Force Regiment.

“His death is tragic and I would like to express my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. My thoughts are with them and we will do all we can to support them through this difficult time.”