British servicemen killed during the Iraqi conflict were flown home to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Tuesday.

Among them was Royal Navy flight observer Lieutenant James Williams, who died on Saturday, March 22nd when two Sea King helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf.

Lt Williams grew up, with his older sister Caroline, in Downlands Way, South Wonston, near Winchester. In a statement his parents Vernon and Liz Williams, recalled how proud he was to wear his uniform. They said: "He died doing the job he loved most."

He attended South Wonston Primary School and moved on to Henry Beaufort and Peter Symonds' College before doing a degree in Pharmacology at Liverpool University, where he met his fiance Sarah.

Lt Williams joined the Royal Navy in 1999 and the 28-year-old trained as a Sea King Observer. In January last year he was awarded his wings and joined 849 A Squadron which is based at the Royal Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall.

His immediate deployment to the Gulf on board HMS Ark Royal was his first operational tour of duty.

A Navy statement said: "James was a very popular character in the squadron. He and Sarah have many good friends who are providing tremendous support at this difficult time."

The couple had bought a house together in Falmouth, where Sarah intended to set up a dental practice.

"From an early age James had been fascinated by aircraft. He joined the Royal Navy in fulfilment of an ambition to fly and serve his country," the Navy said.

The funeral will take place at RNAS Culdrose next week.

Six Royal Navy personnel, including Lt Williams, and a US officer were killed in the incident.