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."