Ryan Tomlin

British Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, age 21, died on February 13, 2012, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when his patrol came under small arms fire from insurgents.

He was with 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, based at Honington. 

Ryan is from Hemel Hempstead and joined the RAF in October of 2008, completing his Trainee Gunners Course in April of 2009 before moving on to the Phase One Field Gunners Course. He was selected to join 2 Squadron in June of 2009. SAC Tomlin completed his first tour of Afghanistan in 2010 as a specialist driver defending Kandahar Air Base. He deployed on a second tour with No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing in October 2011, supporting operations out on the ground around Camp Bastion.

Angels of God, pray for Ryan

Military officials describe him as a highly professional and skillful gunner, and one of the rising stars of his squadron and regiment. 

Family members stated that Ryan loved and lived life to the full. He gave his life at a very young age doing the job he loved. Ryan will be sorely missed by his family and friends and everyone who loved him. We will remember his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ryan will be forever young and never forgotten. Our true hero and shining star.

Ryan is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Diane and Kevin; and his sister Michelle.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Ryan Tomlin is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen