British Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, aged 34, died on 23rd December 2011 after the vehicle he was in struck a roadside bomb during an operation south of Kabul.
Squadron Leader Downing had been seriously wounded in the blast and was flown back to the UK where sadly, he died of his wounds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. His family were with him when he died.
Known as Ant, Squadron Leader Downing was, by trade, an Engineering Officer in the Royal Air Force. His unassuming and modest demeanour belied a hugely professional officer and an extremely determined individual. His generous nature and interest in Afghanistan and her people, led to his intimate involvement in the planning and subsequent conduct of outreach patrols.
Ant was professionally respected and hugely appreciated for his skills, and built a strong rapport with the Afghan soldiers and their British mentors; his loss is felt greatly among both. He leaves behind his parents, a brother, a girlfriend and a dedicated following of friends, with whom this great loss is shared.
Killed in the same incident was Royal Marines Captain Tom Jennings
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