Iraq helicopter crash victim named

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Sergeant Mark McLaren was born in Ashington, Northumberland, and joined the Royal Air Force in January 1999. The other serviceman who died in the incident was named on Monday as Colour Sergeant Mark Powell.

Clr Sgt Powell, from the Parachute Regiment, and a member of RAF aircrew, died when their Puma transport helicopter collided with another and both aircraft came down north of Baghdad on Sunday.

Father-of-two Sgt McLaren, described as having had a "bright future" ahead of him, successfully completed Airman Aircrew training at RAF Cranwell, graduating as Acting Sergeant in March 2000. He later graduated from the Air Loadmaster Specialist Training Course at RAF Shawbury in July 2001.

He was posted to 33 Squadron, RAF Benson, during January 2002 and his last posting was to 230 Squadron, RAF Aldergrove, during August 2004. Both squadrons operate the Puma helicopter.

Wing Commander Chris Hunter, Officer Commanding 230 Squadron RAF Aldergrove, described him as someone who "loved life" and was a caring husband and father.

He said: "Sgt McLaren had a positive attitude towards everything he did and a level of self-motivation that was second to none. As an Air Loadmaster he was the master of his trade, a consummate professional and committed team player. When flying on operations in either the UK or Iraq he always performed at the top of his game and it was a pleasure to fly with him when you were crewed up together.

"He loved life and was a caring husband and father who had a bright future ahead of him in the service.

"Sgt McLaren had been selected to attend the Royal Air Force Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course during 2007, students of which must demonstrate the highest professional standards in the air. As a senior non-commissioned officer, we knew this was only the beginning of what would have been a distinguished career."

He added: "Mark will be a great loss to his Squadron and to the Royal Air Force, but more importantly he will be sadly missed as both a loving husband and the father of two sons."