Tributes paid to RAF Lossiemouth serviceman David Thorne who died in A96 crash
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TRIBUTES have been paid to a loving family man stationed at RAF Lossiemouth who died in an A96 crash last week.
Corporal David Thorne was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after colliding with a car while riding his motorcycle near Huntly on March 5. He was on leave when he tragically lost his life.
The 43-year-old served in the RAF for 26 years as an aircraft technician and was serving on 1 (Fighter) Squadron at the Moray base.
David, or Dave as he was known by his colleagues, was married, with three children and two grandchildren.
His colleagues have paid tribute to a "fine teammate and friend".
Group Captain Jim Lee, RAF Lossiemouth Station Commander, said: "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."
Originally from Wales, David joined the RAF after leaving school where he enjoyed postings at RAF Odiham, RAF Leuchars and RAF Benson.
It wasn't until 2007 that he arrived at Lossiemouth, but the seaside town quickly became home for himself, his wife Michelle and their three children Aaron, Katy and Ash.
He saw service on overseas operations on five occasions, completing two tours in Afghanistan, two tours in Cyprus and one deployment to the Falklands.
He joined 1 (Fighter) Squadron in 2023 and had recently been selected for promotion to sergeant in recognition of his professionalism, leadership and ability as an aircraft technician.
But family always took precedence for David, demonstrated when he turned down a previous promotion offer because it would have meant leaving Moray, where he and his family hoped to stay.
Wing Commander Edward Morris, 1 (Fighter) Squadron, said: "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.”
On behalf of the 1 (Fighter) Squadron engineers, Senior Engineer Officer, Squadron Leader Edward Owen, said: “Dave was a highly respected leader and aircraft technician who had devoted himself to a life in the Royal Air Force."
He added: "Dave will be sorely missed on the squadron and across the wider Royal Air Force but will be remembered with fondness and great gratitude by those who had the pleasure of knowing and serving alongside him."
