Family's tribute to crash soldier

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The family of a serviceman killed when two RAF helicopters apparently collided over northern Iraq have described their "devastation".

Colour Sergeant Mark Lawrence Powell, 37, from Porthcawl, south Wales was serving with the Parachute Regiment.

His brother, Darren Powell, said: "For him it was the three Fs - family, friends and forces were his life.

"He absolutely loved being in the forces and he died doing the job he loved."

Mr Powell, 36, said: "The family are devastated by the news.

"His family were very proud of him, and he will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.

'Dedicated'

"Our thoughts are with his wife and young child at this stage."

"Mark was a very courageous and dedicated soldier who had spent all his life working in the forces.

"As soon as he left school he had wanted to join, and he trained and trained and has done it ever since.

"He always said how proud he was to serve his country and to do the job he was doing."

Clr Sgt Powell lived in Hereford with his architect wife and "very young" daughter and had joined his regiment in 1990.

Investigation

Mr Powell said his brother had been a "keen surfer" since he was a schoolboy and always went surfing on the local beaches when he was home.

A tribute was also paid to Clr Sgt Powell by his commanding officer, who described him as "an exemplary combat leader, soldier, father, husband, friend and Briton; dedicated to his family, his men, his mission and his country".

Four other servicemen in the same aircraft as Clr Sgt Powell were injured in the incident, one of them seriously.

Everyone on board the second helicopter, also a Puma, escaped with minor cuts and bruises.

It is believed the helicopters had been taking part in a special forces mission.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the crash was being treated as an accident and a full investigation would be carried out.