Royal Air Force Lossiemouth regrets to announce the passing of Corporal David Thorne.
Corporal Thorne, who was 43, served in the Royal Air Force for 26 years as a highly capable Aircraft Technician (Mechanical) and was serving on 1 (Fighter) Squadron.
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 brother Chris, 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.
He was first and foremost a family man however, and this was demonstrated when he turned down a previous promotion offer because it would have meant leaving Moray, a place he and his family loved, and hoped to stay.
David was on leave, enjoying precious time with his family, when he died as a result of a road traffic accident on the A96 on Tuesday 5 March 2024.
Originally from Cwmbran in Wales, David joined the RAF almost immediately after leaving school. Having undergone trade training at the No. 1 School of Technical Training, RAF Cosford, he initially enjoyed postings at RAF Odiham, RAF Leuchars and RAF Benson.
He first arrived at Lossiemouth in 2007, where he first worked on the Engineering Operations Squadron, and the Aircraft Component Engineering Squadron before later joining 14 Squadron to work on Tornados.
After four years on Armament Engineering Flight, David went on to be an instructor at the Centralised Line Training Section where he passed on his experience to the next generation of Tornado and Typhoon technicians.
After a further five years with the Typhoon EJ200 Early Failure Detection Cell, he joined 1 (Fighter) Squadron in 2023.
David saw service on overseas operations on five occasions, completing two tours on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, two tours on Operation Shader in Cyprus, and one deployment to the Falklands.
Despite a very busy work and family life, in 2023 David completed a Foundation Degree in Aeronautical Systems Engineering from Stafford University.
Well-known for his active involvement with RAF Kite Surfing and Wing Foiling, David was also a keen motorcyclist. In 2014 he took part in an ‘RAF Way Round’ challenge, visiting every RAF station on a week-long, 3,000 mile journey to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
David’s colleagues on 1 (Fighter) Squadron have paid tribute to a fine 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.”
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.”
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. Passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with those around him, during his time on Centralised Line Training Section he was hugely influential on the professional development of so many others from across the Tornado and Typhoon force.
“Deploying as an Early Failure Detection Cell technician alongside 1 (Fighter) Squadron on Operation Shader, he generously supported the Squadron not only in his primary role, but also in his own spare time when he carried out line training and joined the team to complete aircraft maintenance tasks. Subsequently posted onto the Squadron, his professionalism and dedication were rightly recognised with an offer of promotion to Sergeant.
“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.”
